Astrophysics & Plasma REU

REU@WVU

REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) is a 10-week summer program for undergraduate student research, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). West Virginia University is proud to host a REU site focused on astrophysical and plasma research.

Both the astrophysics and plasma physics REU programs will work alongside each other as part of the research experience in the WVU Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Each student will be associated with a specific research project, where they will work closely with their faculty research mentor and other researchers. Students receive a $5,000 stipend, $300 in travel expenses, meals, and lodging.

May 20-July 26, 2025

What areas of research are included?

Research projects will focus on the Research projects will focus on interstellar medium, space plasma physics, transient astrophysical phenomena, pulsars, laboratory plasma experiments and gravitational waves.

Astrophysics projects are listed under Research Opportunities.

Plasma physics projects are listed here.

What is included in the REU Program?

• Research Poster Session: REU students will present their research at a poster session at the conclusion of the 10-week program. Students will gain an experience similar to that of an academic conference and to hone their skills discussing research with a diverse audience.
  
• American Astronomical Society (AAS) meeting attendance: Students in the REU program will be sent to the winter (AAS) meeting, where they will use these skills at a genuine scientific conference. This conference hosts thousands of astronomers, whose research interests are representative of the entire field.  
• Seminars and informational meetings: students will be exposed to a wide variety of topics related to working in STEM fields.
• Workshops: Workshops will be provided to give guidance on professional preparation, public speaking, professional interactions, and scientific poster creation. Topics include Graduate School Roundtable, Career Building (resumes, interviewing, elevator pitch), Prestigious Scholarships, and Creating an Effective Research Poster.
• Extra-Curricular Activities: The state of West Virginia has numerous outdoor recreational opportunities (e. g., biking, hiking, rafting) within a short drive of WVU that make ideal excursions during the program.
• Campus Housing and research stipends are included in the program. 

Who should apply?

Applications will be accepted from rising sophomores through rising seniors, as well as rising freshmen with advanced (Honors or Advanced Placement) Physics and Astronomy coursework or those involved in the First 2 network.

REU participants must be citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States. Qualified applicants will:

1. Have a grade point average 2.8 or above in their STEM undergraduate coursework,
2. Be majoring in physics or astronomy undergraduate degree programs (baccalaureate or associate and part-time or full-time), and
3. Be rising freshmen through seniors.

How to apply to the Astrophysics REU program?

Each applicant will be required to submit:

• A formal application, which includes personal, academic (institution, major, level, coursework), and voluntary demographic information and future career plans
• Personal Statement
  
• Undergraduate transcripts
• References/Letter of recommendation from a STEM faculty member familiar with the applicant’s abilities/motivation. All materials should be submitted through NSF's ETAP portal.
  
  Questions may be sent to: loren.anderson@mail.wvu.edu

• Contact

  

  Dr. Loren Anderson
  Loren.Anderson@mail.wvu.edu