Three SSU physics majors have been selected for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs at research universities this summer.

Marc Asaro will be doing research with physics professor Daniel Reich at the Johns Hopkins University. The research will consist of the synthesis of superconductors in low-dimensional systems and development of other novel zero, one, and two-dimensional nanostructures. When asked about what benefits he may get out of this program, Marc replied, “This will be the first time I will be exposed to high level research on the cutting edge of condensed matter physics. And the best thing about it is, I’ll be working beside the researchers. Also, I believe this experience will give me an advantage when I go to graduate school because I will have already had a taste of what the research community is like.”

Justin Flory will work with Dr. Romel Gomez at the University of Maryland Materials Research Science and Engineering Center on the nanomanipulator project. The goal is to design and build a manipulator system that allows the positioning of tiny probes with sub-nanometer control. Potential applications include nanometer device fabrication, electronic and magnetic characterization, and inspection and manipulation of biological specimens. Justin says “I am very excited about this opportunity, and I am looking forward to narrowing my field of interest. I think that this summer program will help me do that.”

Brooke Haag will be working with Peter Garnavich, a Harvard fellow, on light curves for binary stars, at the University of Notre Dame.

Meanwhile, back at SSU, Michelle Curtis, Tim Graves, and Sarah Silva are working with Dr. Lynn Cominsky on Education and Public Outreach for NASA’s GLAST and Swift observatories.