Nanophotonics, Quantum Photonics, and Vision/Biomedical Optics at University of Rochester aims to create a well-defined pipeline to a career in photonics for REU participants. There is a particular focus on underrepresented demographics, undergraduates from colleges without strong photonics research programs, and community college students—all of whom might not otherwise recognize photonics as a possible career path.

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This program will engage participating students in the frontiers of photonics research in nanoscience, vision science, bioscience, and quantum science while at the same time providing them with experiences to recognize the excellent career opportunities, both academic and industry based, available in photonics. The host department is the university’s world-renowned Institute of Optics, located in the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. REU participants will benefit from the Institute’s Summer School, its Industrial Associates program, and its strong ties with the local Rochester photonics industry.

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The Nanophotonics, Quantum Photonics, and Vision/Biomedical Optics REU is coordinated by the university’s David T. Kearns Center, home to a vibrant community of undergraduate scholars. REU students will spend nine weeks living with and learning among 60-70 other undergraduate researchers. You will conduct 300 hours of research under the guidance of one or more of the University of Rochester’s premier faculty members, attend several seminars and workshops that discuss in-depth research techniques, complex problems and finding unique solutions, as well as career opportunities and preparation. You will create academic presentations and present a final poster at the end of the summer. In addition, you will visit and enjoy the summer scene of Rochester, NY and spend time bonding with new friends.

• Be a US citizen or permanent resident
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• Be majoring in the physical sciences or engineering with at least one semester left to complete the undergraduate degree
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• Participants are selected based upon academic achievement and scientific interests. This project places emphasis on recruiting low-income and underrepresented minority students, students from community colleges, and students from 4-year colleges that lack comparable summer research opportunities.