By participating in a research project, a physics undergraduate has the invaluable opportunity to gain a realistic perspective of how science "gets done" and make an informed decision about a career in scientific research. This is in addition to contributing to the field of physics! The faculty feel so strongly about this part of students' education that they require its completion before enrollment in the required Scientific Writing course.

Physics at Southern students are involved in research in a number of ways, including:

Assisting faculty research efforts

Many students have been involved in Dr. Hefferlin's periodic systems of molecules. Many of their names can be found in his list of publications. Currently, sophmore Ken Luk and senior Gabriel Johnson are working with Dr. Hefferlin on compiling neural network results. Students are also involved with Dr. Hansen in the preparation of a facility aimed at eventually continuing his research in laser spectroscopy. Dr. Hansen's work in that field is documented in his publications.

Participating in summer research programs at other schools and laboratories

Then National Science Foundation's Research Experience for Undergraduates is a very popular summer program that is hosted at a number of schools and laboratories. Graduate Blake Laing has spent a summer at Los Alamos National Laborotory and at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Graduate Nick Vence has spent a summer at Auburn University.

Independent investigations

Topics include a method of using a camera light meter to measure photon intensity; holography; measurement of the gravitational field of the earth using a Cater pendulum, and building a wind tunnel. The investigations usually take place on Campus but occasionally are done at home.