REU Program

REU Participants

Physics Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program

Overview

(Conditioned on Funding) Selected undergraduate students will perform frontier research during the summer of 2026 on experimental and theoretical projects in one of their chosen research areas.

Research Areas:

Nano-materials and Condensed Matter
Photonics, Lasers, and Quantum Optics
Soft Condensed Matter and Biophysics

Additional activities include field trips to industrial labs, seminars on ethics, use of a research library, technical writing and research presentations, and social events jointly with other REU's, .

Physics majors or those in fields related to Optics and Materials Science are eligible to apply.

May 17 - July 24, 2026

Conditioned on Funding

Application Deadline: March 1, 2026

A summer research program in physics for undergraduates.

APPLY NOW!!

If there are questions, please email physreu@uark.edu. Thanks.

Supported by the National Science Foundation

2026 REU Project Descriptions

The project descriptions below will give you an idea of the type of project that you will work in the associated professor's lab. Actual projects may vary somewhat from these descriptions. To find out more about a project, click on it. To find out more about a professor, click on his or her name.

E=Experimental, T=Theoretical, *=Projects for Physics REU 2025
NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter, QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers, SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics

Professor	Research Area¹	Project Title
Salvador-Barraza-Lopez*	T, NMCM	Predicting Shape from Atomic Bonds and Atomic Locations *
Laurent-Bellaiche	T, NMCM	Static and Dynamical Properties of Perovskites
Hugh Churchill*	E, NMCM	Quantum Devices Based on Atomically Thin Materials*
Huaxiang Fu*	T, NMCM	Understanding and Predicting Technological Important Materials *
Jin Hu*	E, NMCM	Quantum material synthesis and properties *
Pradeep Kumar*	E, SMBP	Adaptation bottlenecks and evolution of bacteria *
Jiali Li*	E, SMBP	Science and Applications of Nanoscale Materials *
Hiroyuki Nakamura*	E, NMCM	Studying Nanoscale Vibrations Using Lasers*
Woodrow Shew*	E, SMBP	Statistical and Nonlinear Physics of the Brain *
Surendra Singh*	E, QOPL, SMBP	Lasers Quantum Optics and Optical Studies of Biomolecules *
Reeta Vyas*	T, QOPL	Interaction of Non-classical Light with Simple Material System *
Yong Wang*	E, SMBP, QOPL	Single-molecule & single-cell nanometric biophysics*

¹ E=Experimental
T=Theoretical
NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter
QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers
SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics

2025 REU Participants

The table below summarizes various projects on which students worked.

E=Experimental, T=Theoretical, NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter, QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers, SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics

REU Student and Instituion	Professor	Project Title
Allison Avery, Texas State University, San Marcos,TX	Dr. Surenda Singh	Observing Pancharatnam Phases of Light Using Laguerre-Gauss Beams
Joseph Buckingham, Middle Tennessee State University, TN	Dr. Huaxiang Fu	Finding Ferroelectricity in Hf O₂ by Examining Phonons
Tyler Cornwell, Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, OK	Dr. Yong Wang	Development of a Low-Cost Imaging Device for Microalgae Growth and Motility Analysis
Jackson Eames, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL	Dr. Jiali Li	Helium Ion Beam Sculpting and Thickness Measurement of Nanopores
David Gordon, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI	Dr. Yong Wang	Life in Low Gravity – Using a TinyLev Acoustic Levitator to Explore Planktonic Life in a Simulated Microgravity Environment
Matthew Hassell, Iowa State Univeristy, Ames, IA	Dr. Woodrow Shew	Optimizing Working Memory by Operating Near Criticality
Anna Hinkle, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA	Dr. Jin Hu	Tuning Magnetism in Two-Dimensional MPX₃ Materials
Desi Lawrence, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, WI	Dr. Hugh Churchill	Thermal Assisted Nano-Squeegee for Quantum Devices
Miri Leonard, Macalester College, MN	Dr. Hugh Churchill	2DMatGMM: Optical detection of two-dimensional materials using machine learning
Cameron Morelli, Middle Tennessee State University, TN	Dr. Salvador Barraza-Lopez	Analysing Physical Properties of Altermagnetism
Royal Northen, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX	Dr. Hugh Churchill	Patterning Josephson Junctions via Thermal Scanning Probe Lithography within Transmon Qubits
Luna Richter, Hendrix College, Convey AR	Dr. Jin Hu	Synthesis and Properties of the Kagome Compound GdV₆Sn₆
Logan Scheiderer, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR	Dr. Hiro Nakamura	Altering Low-frequency Phonon Modes of WSe₂ Through Tensile Strain

2024 REU Participants

The table below summarizes various projects on which students worked.

E=Experimental, T=Theoretical, NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter, QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers, SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics

REU Student and Instituion	Professor	Research Area	Project Title
Matthew Balestier, Yale College, CT	Dr. Surenda Singh	E, QOPL	Determining Saturation Intensity of an Nd:YAG Laser
Ernesto Feliciano, Fordham University, NY	Dr. Yong Wang	E, SMBP	Mucin and Polyvinylpyrrolidone Solutions Affect E. coli Motility
Nicolette Goldstein, Bard College, NY	Dr. Surenda Singh	E, QOPL	Constructing a Dye Laser in order to Determine Saturation Intensity
Jack Harper, Rhodes College, TN	Dr. Yong Wang	E, SMBP	Detection of micro-algae cells using automated deep learning techniques
Elena Lotti, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, MA	Dr. Hugh Churchill	E, NMCM	Breakdown Voltage of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Parallel Plate Capacitors
Stephen Marking, Middle Tennessee State University, TN	Dr. Hiro Nakamura	E, QOPL	Studying Nanoscale Vibrations Using Lasers
Aubrey McNeil, University of Oklahoma, OK	Dr. Dr. Hugh Churchill	E, NMCM	Novel Transferred Josephson Junction Fabrication Using Graphene Monolayer
Kassidy Myers, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, FL	Dr. Jin Hu	E, NMCM	Synthesis and Characterization of Quasi-1D Materials
Sidney Osae-Asante, Abilene Christian University, TX	Dr. Jiali L	E, SMBP	Nanopore Device: Sensing the Shape of Protein Molecules
Sara Noelle Perrin, Wellesley College, MA	Dr. Woodrow Shew	E, SMBP	Autoregressive modeling and its applications to neuroscience
Gabriel Reyna Garcia, Southern Arkansas University, AR	Dr. Hiro Nakamura	E, QOPL	Determining the Refractive Index of 2D Ferroelectric Material
Tallisen Scott, Oberlin College, OH	Dr. Hugh Churchill	E, NMCM	Comparing Synthesis Methods of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Using Parallel Plate Capacitors
Keenan Smith, East Central University, OK	Dr. Huaxiang Fu	T, NMCM	Determining the Important Coefficients in the Landau-Ginzburg Theory for BaTiO₃ and PbTiO₃ Using First Principle Calculations
John Treusch, Grove City CollegeGrove City College, PA	Dr. Hugh Churchill	E, NMCM	Fabrication, Transfer, and D.C. Characterization of Aluminum – Aluminum Oxide Josephson Junctions

2023-2015 REU Participants

The table below summarizes various projects on which students worked.

E=Experimental, T=Theoretical, NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter, QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers, SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics.

REU Student and Instituion	Professor	Research Area	Project Title
Shelby Foster, University of Arizona	Dr. Yong Wang	E, SMBP	Effects of Magnesium Ion Concentration on the Dynamics of Bent DNA
Thomas Freeman, Middle Tennessee State University	Dr. Jin Hu	E, NMCM	Quantum Oscillations in SnGe: Understanding the Evolving World of Semiconductor Technology
Sam Mortenson, Drake University	Dr. Yong Wang	E, SMBP	Bacterial Motion in Complex Porous Media
Caleb Orr, Northeastern State University,OK	Dr. Jin Hu	E, NMCM	Synthetization and Characterization of Misfit Layered Compounds
Arantxa Pardue, Belmont University	Dr. Hugh Churchill	E, NMCM	Electronic Transport Properties of Two-Dimensional Violet Phosphorus 11
Henry Rohde, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater	Dr. Hugh Churchill	E, NMCM	Creating Aluminum / Hexagonal Boron Nitride / Aluminum Josephson Junctions for Superconducting Qubits
Ethan Sosnowski, Taylor University	Dr. Surenda Singh	E, QOPL	Understanding Quantum Jitter in a Laser Pulse Train
Philip Templeman, University of Notre Dame	Dr. Huaxiang Fu	T, NMCM	Electronic and Optical Properties of Structural Topological Phases of SrTiO3
Matthew Villarreal, Stephen F. Austin State University	Dr. Salvador Barraza Lopez	T, NMCM	Reemphasizing variational methods in undergraduate optics, classical and quantum mechanics
Ethan Weiche, Middle Tennessee State University	Dr. Hiro Nakamura	E, QOPL	Studying the Domains of Two-Dimensional Ferroelectric Material via Polarized Microscopy
Rita Wilson, Michigan Technological University	Dr. Pradeep Kumar	E, SMBP	Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure on Liposomes
Iris Youngdahl,Gustavus Adolphus College	Dr. Woodrow Shew	E, SMBP	Computational Modeling of Neural Activity in Both Awake and Asleep States

The table below summarizes various projects on which students worked.

E=Experimental, T=Theoretical, NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter, QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers, SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics.

REU Student and Instituion	Professor	Research Area	Project Title
Ashley Allen, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff	Dr. Pradeep Kumar	E, SMBP	Using liposomal models to study the binding kinetics of cytoskeletal proteins
Jonathan Barrett, Wheaton College	Dr. Hiro Nakamura	E, QOPL	Building Raman measurement system for 2D materials
Jeremy Choh, Hendrix College	Dr. Hugh Churchill	E, NMCM	Optimization of Quantum Device Fabrication for the MonArk Quantum Foundry
Jessica Fink, Missouri State University	Dr. Yong Wang	E, SMBP	The Effects of Magnetic Field on Bacterial Motility
Alexandra Lee, University of North Carolina Asheville	Dr. Reeta Vyas	E T, QOPL	Laguerre-Gaussian Beam Fraunhofer Diffraction of Varying Radial Indices
Chasen McPherson, Oklahoma State University	Dr. Hugh Churchill	E, NMCM	Searching for Superconductivity in Twisted Double-Bilayers of WS2
Lucas Miller, Wilkes University	Dr. Jin Hu	E, NMCM	Characterization of Ge, SiGe, and GeSn Films Grown on Si Using UHV-CVD Reactor
Sam Mortenson, Drake University	Dr. Woodrow Shew	E, SMBP	Orthonasal Versus Retronasal Olfaction: How the Brain Encodes Sensory Input
Arantxa Pardue, Belmont University	Dr. Jin Hu	E, NMCM	Flux Growth of hBN single crystals
Leslie Paul, Arkansas Tech University	Dr. Jiali Li	E, SMBP	De Novo Assembly of DNA and mRNA Reads from Nanopore Sequencing
Abigail Strack, Wheaton College	Dr. Surenda Singh	E, QOPL	Polarization Synthesis of Hermite-Gaussian Beams Using a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer
Lee Thompson, Arkansas Tech University	Dr. Hiro Nakamura	E, QOPL	Growth of Few Layer WSe2 for Nonlinear Optics Study
Ryan Yoder, William & Mary	Dr. Yong Wang	E, SMBP	Silver Ion’s on Bacteria Tumbling rates and Fluorescent Flagella Labelling

The table below summarizes various projects on which students worked. To find out more about a professor, click on his or her name.

E=Experimental, T=Theoretical, NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter, QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers, SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics.

	Professor	Research Area	Project Title
Hope Dannar, University of Northern Colorado	Dr. Surenda Singh	E, QOPL	Exploring Different Ways to Generate LG Beams
Dawn Ford, Univeristy of Virginia	Dr. Jin Hu	E, NMCM	Property Tuning of Layered Materials by Electrochemical Intercalation
Christopher Hocevar, Oklahoma State University	Dr. Gregory Salamo	E, NMCM	Using Raman Spectroscopy to Determine Composition of our Growth of Germanium-Tin Nano Structures
Juan Martinez, University of Arkansas at Little Rock	Dr. Reeta Vyas	T, QOPL	Diffraction of Laguerre Gaussian Beams from two parallel slits
Xavier Mleziva, University of Wisconsin Whitewater	Dr. Yong Wang	E, SMBP	The Growth of Escherichia Coli in Microgravity
Ayla Osgood, Mount Holyoke College	Dr. Woodrow Shew	E, SMBP	Using Deep Learning to Improve Motion Tracking
Steven Rhodes, Middle Tennessee State University	Dr. Huaxiang Fu	T, NMCM	Numerical Analysis of LiZnSb as a Candidate Hyperferroelectric
Kaylee TenBarge, Butler University	Dr. Jin Hu	E, NMCM	Dimensionality Engineering of Electronic Bands in Layered ZrGeTe4 and HfGeTe4
Mark Whitledge, Arkansas State University Jonesboro	Dr. Hiro Nakamura	E, QOPL	Building an Ultralow-Frequency Raman Spectroscopy System
Seth Williams, Arkansas Tech University	Dr. Pradeep Kumar	E, SMBP	Analyzing motility of E. coli using Differential Dynamic Microscopy

The table below summarizes various projects on which students worked. To find out more about a professor, click on his or her name.

E=Experimental, T=Theoretical,

NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter, QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers, SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics.

	Professor	Research Area	Project Title
Brycelynn Bailey, Arkansas Tech University, AR	Dr. Jin Hu	E, NMCM	Nanostructures Growth of Topological Quantum Materials
Anna Corbitt, Southern Arkansas University, AR	Dr. Jin Hu	E, NMCM	Growth and Characterization of 1T-TaS2 and 1T-TaSe2
Albert Du, North Central College, Naperville, IL	Dr. Salvador-Barraza Lopez	T, NMCM	Energy barrier of ferro-to-paraelectric transitions of hole and electron doped group-IV monochalcogenide monolayers
Kayleigh Johnson, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, AR	Dr. Pradeep Kumar	E, SMBP	Bacterial motility and chemotaxis at dierent concentrations of Magnesium Sulfate
Matthew Kurilich, Middle Tennessee State University, TN	Dr. Yong Wang	E, SMBP	The Motion of Bacteria in Various Media
Michael Mastalish, Marquette University, WI	Dr. Hugh Churchill	E, NMCM	Measuring the Excitonic Insulator Transition in Ta2NiSe₅
Nathan Murillo, Oklahoma Baptist University, OK	Dr. Surendra Singh	E, QOPL	A Comparative Study of the Phase Structure of HG and LG Beams
Victoria Norman, The University of Scranton, PA	Dr. Woodrow Shew	E, SMBP	Behavioral Consequences of Abnormal Development of a Fly’s Nervous System
Jake Richter, Texas A&M University at Commerce, TX	Dr. Gregory Salamo	E, NMCM	Analyzing Linear Dislocation Density of Ge1-x Snx/Ge interfaces as Layer Thickness changes using X-ray Diffraction
Fernando Salazar-Salas, East Central University, Ada, OK	Dr. Paul Thibado	E, NMCM	Modeling, building, and Analyzing, Energy Harvesting Circuit for Graphene
De'Neshia Strawter, Fort Valley State University	Dr. Reeta Vyas	T, QOPL	Diffraction of LG beam by square aperture and cantor set

The table below summarizes various projects on which students worked. To find out more about a professor, click on his or her name.

E=Experimental, T=Theoretical,
NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter, QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers, SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics.

	Professor	Research Area	Project Title
Ariel Rogers, Truman State University, MO	Dr. Yong Wang	E, SMBP	Single-Cell Investigation of the Effects of DC Electric Current on Bacteria
Aiden Glaser, Vassar College, NY	Dr. Pradeep Kumar	E, SMBP	Stochastic Analysis of Phenotypic Switching and the Development of a Portable Photometer
Emily Walla, University fo Arizona, AZ	Dr. Surendra Singh	E, QOPL	The Role of Symmetry in the Diffraction of Laguerre-Gauss Vortex Beams

The table below summarizes various projects on which students worked. To find out more about a professor, click on his or her name.

E=Experimental, T=Theoretical,
NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter, QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers, SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics.

	Professor	Research Area	Project Title
Sophia Andaloro, University of Dallas, TX	Dr. Surendra Singh	E, QOPL	The Diffraction of Laguerre-Gaussian Vortex Beams Carrying Equal and Opposite Angular Momentum
Alex J. Bishop, University of Alabama, AL	Dr. Paul Thibado	E, QOPL	Molecular Dynamics Modeling of Monolayer Graphene
Lauren Corby, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, AR	Dr. Fisher Yu	E, NMCM	Study of high-temperature operation of materials and LEDs for 3D high density power modules
Nicholas Corkill, Loyola University, Chicago, IL	Dr. Gregory Salamo	E, NMCM	Probing In(ga)N/GaN Quantum Wells Using Photoluminescence
Joseph Delmar, University of Scranton, PA	Dr. Salvador-Barraza-Lopez	T, NMCM	Two-dimensional transitions and structural degeneracies of silicene
Maya Kedem, Fort Valley State University	Dr. Woodrow Shew	E, SMBP	New techniques for automated analysis of rat behavior
Sophia McKinney, Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, AR	Dr. Pradeep Kumar	E, SMBP	Dynamic Response of Yeast Cells using Automated Microfuidic Devices
Peter Murphy, SUNY at Geneseo, NY	Dr. Hugh Churchill	E, NMCM	Optoelectronic Properties of Phosphorene
Janet Piefer, Juniata College	Dr. Yong Wang	E, SMBP	Translational and Rotational Diffusion of Bacteria Under the Influence of Direct Current
Ariel Rogers, Truman State University, MO	Dr. Yong Wang	E, SMBP	Single-Cell Investigation of the Effects of Low Electric Current on E. coli Bacteria
Connor Ross, Rhodes College, TN	Dr. Reeta Vyas	T, QOPL	Higher Order Intensity Functions for Degenerate Parametric Oscillators

The table below lists various projects on which students worked. To find out more about a professor, click on his or her name.

E=Experimental, T=Theoretical,
NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter, QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers, SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics.

	Professor	Research Area	Project Title
Zachary Browley, University of Central Arkansas, AR	Dr. Joseph Herzog	E, QOPL	Characteristics of Au Nanowire Arrays on GaAs for Optimal Optical Enhancement
Crystal Brown, Ouachita Baptist University, AR	Dr. Salvador-Barraza-Lopez	T, NMCM	Majorana Fermions
Bria Collier, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, AR	Dr. Fisher Yu	E, NMCM	Optically Pumped GeSn Laser
Emily Ebeling, Truman State University, MO	Dr. Yong Wang	E, SMBP	Fitness Benets: A Lesson from Hybrid Organization of High-Copy Number Plasmids in Bacteria
Orion Guan, Truman State University, MO	Dr. Jiali Li	E, SMBP	Artificial Photosynthesis Using Bilayer Lipid Membranes
Cameron Hart, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, IN	Dr. Gregory Salamo	E, NMCM	Photoluminescence of Compositionally Graded AlGaN Semiconductors
Kionna Henderson, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, AR	Dr. Pradeep Kumar	E, SMBP	Effect of Environmental Conditions on the Metabolism of Bacteria
Hamilton Johnson, Ouachita Baptist University, AR	Dr. Hugh Churchill	E, NMCM	Methods of Stacking Atomically Thin Materials without High Temperature Heating
Michael Linn, Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO	Dr. Huaxiang Fu	T, NMCM	Computational Methods for Determining Ferroelectric Properties of Potassium Niobate
Steven Murray, Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, AR	Dr. Pradeep Kumar	E, SMBP	Real-time dynamics of cell-division of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Hyrum Richardson, Brigham Young University, UT	Dr. Surendra Singh	E, QOPL	Linear and Nonlinear Properties of Pancharatnam's Phase
Jazmin Urioste, Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, AR	Dr. Woodrow Shew	E, SMBP	Experimental Systems for Studying the Sense of Touch in the Rat Whisker System
Grace Woods, UC Santa Cruz, CA	Dr. Hugh Churchill	E, NMCM	Order-Disorder 2D Phase Transition of Layered GeSe

The table below lists title of the projects on which students worked. To find out more about a professor, click on his or her name.

E=Experimental, T=Theoretical,
NMCM=Nano-materials and Condensed matter, QOPL=Quantum Optics, Photonics, and Lasers, SMBP=Soft matter and Biophysics.

	Professor	Research Area ¹	Project Title
Gabrielle Abraham, University of Arkansas, AR	Dr. Joseph Herzog	E, QOPL	Optical Enhancement of Photoluminescence with Colloidal Quantum Dots
Kathryn Andonoro, Carnegie Mellon University, PA	Dr. Pradeep Kumar	E, SMBP	Effect of pressure and temperature on transcription elongation of T7 promoter by RNA polymerase
Christopher Blankenship, Northeastern Oklahoma State in Talequah, OK	Dr. Jiali Li	E, SMBP	Characterization of Lipid Membrane, Ion Pump, and Salt Solution in Artificial Photosynthesis
Sara Diletti, University at Buffalo, NY	Dr. Pradeep Kumar	E, SMBP	Gene regulatory systems in fluctuating environment
Alex Dorio, University of Oklahoma, Norman OK	Dr. Salvador-Barraza-Lopez	T, NMCM	2D Lower Symmetry Materials for Valleytronics
Sarah Freed, University at Buffalo, NY	Dr. Reeta Vyas	T, QOPL	Time Evolution of Discord of Two Coupled Quantum Dots in a Driven Cavity
Joshua Nelson, Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS	Dr. Jiali Li	E, SMBP	Tuning Fork Based Force Sensing Probe Tip for Nanopore Experiments
Nicole Nichiniello, University of Arkanssas at Monticello	Dr. Woodrow Shew	E, SMBP	Real-time recording of neural activity and controlled sensory feedback based on action potentials
Paul Somers, Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO	Dr. Jacques Chakhalian	E, NMCM	X-Ray Reflectivity Measurements on Thin Film Superlattice and Electron Transport Measurements
Kahlil Wade, Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, AR	Dr. Jacques Chakhalian	E, NMCM	Electrical Transport and Atomic Force Microscopy
Charlotte Welch, Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL	Dr. Surendra Singh	E, QOPL	Electrical Transport and Atomic Force Microscopy

Publications

Please click this link for the list of pulibcations by REU students

Presentations

Please click this link for the list of presentations by REU students

Fellowship

Funding from the National Science Foundation will provide:

Stipend of $6000 for each participant,
Room and Board Allowance sufficient to cover dormitory and meal plan,
Travel Support from and to home town of participants,
Field Trip: sometime in June, to high-tech industrial labs in the Dallas area.

Eligibility

Undergraduates with Physics Majors or those in a field related to Optics and Materials Science are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to those applicants who have completed 60 hours of college credit prior to the program start date with GPA greater than 3.0 (4.0 scale).
US citizenship or permanent residency is required for NSF-REU fellowship.
Students who will graduate before December of the program year are not eligible.

Application

Interested applicants should complete the following steps by the deadline. Applications received after the deadline will be considered if any positions remain open.

Completing the Online Application Form - What You'll Need:

Ranked research projects - pick three research projects of interest and rank them. See 2026 REU Project Descriptions above.
Statement of interest - Make PDF copy of statement of interest for uploading
Resume and Transcript - Make PDF copies of your current CV/resume and transcripts for uploading.

Two letters of reference - Request two of your professors (preferably physics, math, or related areas) familiar with your academic work to send us letters of reference. The form that you will need is available here (REU Recommendation Form). Give this fillable form and/or its link to your professor. Letters of reference can be emailed (physreu@uark.edu) or mailed to Physics REU, Department of Physics, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701.

To Apply click [Apply Now!] at the upper right hand corner.

NOTE: Please note that demographic information provided in the application may be used to report statistics to the National Science Foundation or other reporting agencies in a summary form while keeping individual information confidential.

Contact

Professor Reeta Vyas
Department of Physics
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone: (479) 575-6569 or (479) 575-2506
Fax: (479) 575-4580
Email: physreu@uark.edu or rvyas@uark.edu