HISTORY
REU= Research Experience for Undergraduates

REU is a program of the National Science Foundation.

Started about 15 years ago.

The purpose -- to provide opportunities for UG
students to participate in research.

Why is that important?
  --to the NSF, --to the student,  --to the university

to the NSF: To support science in the U. S.
  requires people. A constant flow of American
  students entering the sciences.

to the student: To find out whether a career as
  research scientist is a good choice.

to the university of laboratory:  To maintin
  a population of graduate students;
  also, to get some work done!

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REU in Physics and Astronomy at MSU

MSU has had an REU program for about 15 years.

It's a large program because of the NSCL.

This year -- even more so than in the past -- most
projects are at the cyclotron lab.

The NSCL is in a growth phase.

The supervisors have experience working with
REU students.

You will be working along-side graduate students
and post-docs.

Thoennessen e-mail

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WHAT ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO DO HERE?

  -- you'll get instructions from your supervisor
  
  -- full-time job ; all day Mon-Fri

  -- at the end, you will write a paper of 10 pages,
     and give an oral presentation of 10-15 minutes.
     Keep notes!

* Desks and computers for REU students

  Room 1300 BPS. You need a "swipe card" to get in.
  Until they come, get access from Room 1312.

* Weekly REU seminar

  Friday 9:30 to 10:30 AM in Room 1400 BPS.
  Speakers will be MSU faculty or visitors;
  some are REU supervisors biut not all.

  Friday, June 9
  Prof. Michael Thorpe
  "A physicist looks at molecular biology"

* Social / sports / field trips

  -- Summer Circle Theater plays at the outdoor stage
     north east of the Farm Lane bridge. Go as a group.
     Arrive early to get seats together.

  -- Chemistry REU is going to Cedar Point amusement
     park Monday, June 17 (correction!).
     Physics/Astronomy REU
     students are invited to join them.
     You pay your own entrance to the park, but the
     programs pay for the transportation.
     If you choose to go, tell your supervisor that
     you will be away that day!

  -- Volleyball, soccer, etc to be arranged.

* E-mail accounts

* REU web site
  www.pa.msu.edu/people/stump/REU2002/
  Plain text files with information.

* Banking - exists MSU Credit Union branch office
  on Grand River Avenue.

* Fellowship checks will be given to you at the
  Friday seminar 3rd week, 7th week and 10th week.