Embrace Limitless Physics Research Opportunities as an Undergraduate

If you ever get the chance to conduct research as an undergraduate student, especially in a hands-on field like physics — take it. Research teaches you to embrace the unexpected, work independently, think analytically, and ask important questions that lead to new discoveries. These experiences not only shape you into a stronger researcher but also make you a more capable and confident student. Unfortunately, participating in a research project isn’t something every student gets to experience, and getting into a graduate program is even harder. Oklahoma State University‘s Department of Physics understands this, which is why it makes sure you don’t have to wait for graduate school to dive into groundbreaking research. Students get hands-on experience with real data from world-class projects – like the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Switzerland and NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, the source of those breathtaking images of the Carina Nebula, Sombrero Galaxy, and more. Research opportunities for every student From day one of freshman year, you will go through interdisciplinary training that prepares you for the technologies shaping tomorrow, including quantum technology and AI. “OSU prepares students by teaching them how physics works, not watered-down versions, but the real foundations,” says undergraduate Nathan Rago. “You’re expected to struggle with complex problems, and that’s what makes you capable of solving them later.” But you’re never facing those challenges alone. “The faculty are kind but pragmatic; they won’t tell you something is good when it isn’t, which makes their support feel real. You learn quickly that this is serious work, and that’s exactly what I needed,” Rago adds. That same supportive faculty are in the lab with you too. And with state-of-the-art facilities, every research project is equipped to reach new depths. There is Dr. Yingmei Liu’s Cold Atom Lab, where you can join ultracold quantum experiments. The E.V. Benton Radiation Physics Laboratory looks at space and medical radiation, while the Nanoscience & Materials Labs are pioneering research on nanosprings and advanced microscopy. If you’re interested in astrophysics, you can work at the Mendenhall Observatory or analyse data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Students and faculty are also members of the ATLAS experiment at CERN (the European Organisation for Nuclear Research). For over 20 years, they’ve played a key role, from analysing collision data to helping design and build components for major detector upgrades. As a physics student at OSU, you’re not just learning about cutting-edge physics – you have the opportunity to contribute to discoveries that shape our understanding of the universe. Whatever direction your curiosity pulls you, there’s room for it here. OSU researchers receive funding from agencies such as NSF, NASA, Air Force, and DOE. Physics students can apply for department scholarships and fellowships to support undergraduate research assistantships, travel, and networking opportunities, such as the Professor Daniel S. Stevens Scholarship Fund, Earl Lafon Scholarship Fund, and the Paul A. Westhaus Physics Endowed Scholarship – plus many more offered through the college. A place to belong, learn, and lead Everything you learn in class and in the lab pays off when you get to use those skills for real. For the first time in its history, the International Physicists’ Tournament will be hosted in the US, and it’s happening at OSU. Around 200 students and faculty from 23 countries will come together to compete in dynamic “physics fights,” where teams present and defend their solutions to real physics challenges. It’s a great way to build teamwork, communication, and creative thinking. The community on campus makes the whole experience even better. Physics students, along with anyone who simply enjoys physics, can join OSU’s award-winning Society of Physics Students (SPS). It hosts everything from tutoring sessions and outreach events to parties and field trips, giving you plenty of chances to connect with others. Along the way, you build friendships with people who share your interests and gain leadership experience if you take on a chapter officer role. “I chose physics at Oklahoma State because of the people. Through participating in SPS and departmental activities, I saw a genuine passion for the subject running through the department. That’s not something you can fake, and it made me want to be part of it,” says Rago. Faculty members agree. “In fact, we have the saying, ‘Your success is our success,’” says Professor Joseph Haley. “At OSU, students get world-class opportunities with the personal support that makes our community feel like home.”