Physics and Astronomy Student Opportunities

Through coursework and independent research, you can gain hands-on experience in a variety of laboratory settings. Students enjoy working closely with faculty in one-on-one and small group settings on interdisciplinary research projects in many diverse fields, such as electronics, astrophysics, acoustics, geophysics, material science, solar cell technology and biomechanics. 

If you’re interested in astronomy, you’ll have the opportunity to design and code your own planetarium shows, and even incorporate your own music or graphics skills into the presentation. You can also learn how to use the telescopes at College Camp to take data and study exoplanets, supernovae or other astronomical objects. 

From public planetarium shows and telescope observing nights to the programs and exhibits of the A.J. Read Science Discovery Center, a small, hands-on science center on campus, the Physics and Astronomy Department has a long and dynamic tradition of STEM outreach in which many students participate. Students are also encouraged to pursue and have successfully obtained summer internships at other universities and/or national laboratories.

Physics and Astronomy Club

The campus has an active Physics and Astronomy Club that welcomes students of any major. Best  known for hosting public planetarium shows and organizing trips to conferences hosted by the American Physical Society, the club sponsors speakers, organizes field trips to industrial and academic laboratories, and actively engages students in science-related activities. In recent years, the club has participated in public education events such as NanoDays at The Science Discovery Center. Past club events also include a trip to Howe Caverns and overnight stays at College Camp lodge, where club members do everything from homework to watching movies to building robots.

Nebula Society

The Nebula Society is a group of students interested in learning how to use the campus planetarium and present planetarium shows. The club is made up of students from a variety of majors who enjoy exploring the connections between storytelling, graphic design, music, coding and science. Students design and present shows for their peers using the planetarium’s Digistar 6 software, and often work with other campus organizations to host music nights and open mic presentations in the planetarium.

Sigma Pi Sigma Honor Society

Sigma Pi Sigma exists to recognize outstanding scholarship in physics; to encourage interest in physics among students at all levels; to promote an attitude of service of its members towards their fellow students, colleagues and the public; and to provide a community for students who have excelled in physics.