PROGRAM DETAILS
The laser is one of the greatest inventions in optics and photonics. Lasers drive modern research in physics, chemistry, and biology; they are a vital tool in manufacturing and medicine, and the heart of Internet communications. Due to its scientific and technological importance and far-reaching impacts in modern society, laser research has advanced at a very fast pace.
This new REU Site at CREOL: The College of Optics & Photonics at the University of Central Florida will expose 10 undergraduate students to ten weeks of research and other educational experiences in lasers, optics, and photonics. Ten internationally recognized faculty members at CREOL will serve as research mentors in this program. The students will have the opportunity to conduct their own research projects in state-of-the-art optics and photonics research laboratories, while being carefully mentored to transition from close supervision to relative independence.
This REU is supported by the National Science Foundation under grant no. (2349439) and is supported in part by funds provided to the National Science Foundation by the Semiconductor Research Corporation.
- The program is 10 weeks long.
- The Summer 2024 program will run from roughly mid May to Mid July, with final dates to be confirmed.
- Students receive a $7000 program stipend.
- Student stipend is $7,000 for the 10-week summer program.
- Travel to and from the Orlando is also covered (up to $600).
- Meals per diem during the summer program.
REU student housing is provided at the UCF Lake Claire Apartments on-campus residence hall (about a 13 minute walk from CREOL)and is fully covered by the program. These apartments feature four-bedroom, two-bathroom units complete with living rooms and kitchens. The kitchens are equipped with a full-size refrigerator and ample cabinetry. Located at a short distance from a large shopping center, these apartments offer an ideal summer residence for independent living
Appropriate accommodations will be made for any students with disabilities.
Each REU project has a clearly identifiable research goal at a challenging yet appropriate level for undergraduates during the summer program. All REU projects involve hands-on research in the state-of-the-art laser technology. Some of the current projects:
- Fiber Laser Technology
- Laser Materials processing
- Optical Design of External Laser Cavities
- Laser Scattering Microscopy for Live-Cell Imaging and Biosensing
- Laser Control of Cellular Biomechanics
- Radiation Studies on Photonic Integrated Circuits
- Fiber-Based White Light Interferometer for Dispersion Measurements
- Hollow-core Optical Fiber High-Power Delivery
- Precision Metrology with Laser Frequency Combs
- Ultrafast Laser Photonics
Training Towards Research
- Introductory Course in Lasers, Optics and Photonics
- Course in Scientific Coding: Laser Beam Propagation
- Hands-On Experimental Training
- Laboratory Safety and Laser Safety Training
- Ethics in Science and Engineering Research
- Round-Table Group Discussions
- Research and Entrepreneur Seminars
Workshops Towards Graduate School
- From Resume to CV: Planning Your Research Roadmap.
- Designing a Poster for a Conference
- Imposter Syndrome: The Human Side of Research
- Preparing for What’s Next
- Writing an NSF GRFP Proposal
- Getting Letters of Recommendation
- Presenting Your Research
- Poster Workshopping Session
- An Academic Conference Survival Guide
- Publishing your Undergraduate Research
Networking & Social Activities
- Entrepreneur Seminars
- Industrial Visits
- Must be a Citizen of the United States to participate in this REU program.
- Must be a currently enrolled undergraduate who will not graduate before December 2025.
- All students must be enrolled at institutions other than the University of Central Florida.
Please email us at reu@creol.ucf.edu
We will respond within 48 hours of your email, Monday – Friday.
CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics
4304 Scorpius Street
Orlando, FL 32816
www.creol.ucf.edu
407-823-6800