REU site: physics and astrophysics at TCU

The National Science Foundation Division of Physics awarded Texas Christian University $334,351 on August 15, 2026, to operate a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site in Physics and Astrophysics through July 31, 2029, under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program (CFDA 47.049).

The award funds a nine-week summer research program for eight undergraduate students conducting research in condensed matter, nanoscale, biological, and chemical physics, astronomy, and planetary science. The program pairs students with experienced research mentors and includes weekly discussions with faculty, career-planning workshops, and field trips designed to expose participants to career possibilities in physics and engineering-related fields. The experience concludes with final oral research presentations delivered by participants to TCU undergraduate and graduate students and faculty. No sub-awards are planned for this grant.

Performance takes place in Fort Worth, Texas.

Abstract

This research experiences for undergraduates (REU) site at texas christian university provides eight undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in nine weeks of research on topics in condensed matter, nanoscale, biological, and chemical physics, as well as astronomy and planetary science. The main goal of the program is to provide a memorable and potentially career-defining experience for student participants, who may not have a clear direction of career path upon entering the program. Thoughtfully-selected field trips, weekly discussions with other students and faculty, and workshops on career-planning are vital components of the REU program, providing opportunities for students to consider a broad range of career possibilities and professions in physics and engineering-related fields extending beyond the focused summer research project. In addition to participating in research with an experienced mentor, the REU students will engage in weekly activities to ensure not only that their research stays on track but that they have an engaging collegial and scholarly experience. The summer experience culminates with a final oral research presentation given by participants to TCU undergraduate and graduate students and faculty. This award is supported by the division of physics and the division of astronomical sciences within NSF's mathematical and physical sciences directorate. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.