K-State Physics REU: Interactions of Matter, Light and Learning
The K-State Physics REU program offers summer fellowships to do world-class research in our friendly department in the scenic Flint Hills. We are funded by the National Science Foundation.
The K-State Physics Department invites applications for its Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program.
Admission offers for summer 2026 are contingent upon renewal of program funding.
Our REU program gives undergraduates the opportunity to pursue cutting-edge physics research as part of one of the department’s active research groups. Each student works directly with a faculty mentor who provides support and guidance throughout the summer.
Alongside their research, students take part in faculty-led classroom sessions that introduce the physics behind their projects and highlight other current research in the department. Philosophy faculty also lead discussions on ethics in physics, using recent case studies to explore responsible conduct in scientific work.
Throughout the program, participants share informal progress updates with their peers. At the end of the summer, each student builds a project webpage and presents a capstone talk showcasing their research achievements.
Eligibility
College students who have completed a course in modern physics are eligible.
US citizens and permanent residents are encouraged to apply. For the sake of clarification, Permanent Residency is the immigration status that permits a person to live and work in the United States permanently. The official document that attests to this status is the United States Permanent Resident Card.
Finances (Total value of more than $10,000 per student)
- $7,000 stipend for 10 weeks of research
- Travel support up to $1,300
- Free on-campus housing and meal plan
Research Project Areas
These are the projects from which students chose in 2025. Read them over to get an idea of what type of research interests you and indicate your interest on the application form and in your statement if you wish. The 2026 projects will be posted sometime in April.
- Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics (AMO)
- Condensed Matter (CM), Soft and Biological Matter Physics
- High Energy Physics (Particle Physics)
- Cosmology (possibility of one or no project to be offered in 2025)
- Physics Education Research
- Check out the 2025 REU projects
2026 REU Application Information
Tentative 2026 Schedule
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March 2 |
Pending funding, rolling admissions begin. Applications will continue to be accepted until all spots are filled. |
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~April 20 |
Project descriptions posted. |
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~ May 4 |
Incoming students rank preferences for research projects and submit to reu@phys.ksu.edu |
| Monday, May 25 |
Students arrive at K-State, move into dorms. Dinner off-campus. |
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Tuesday, May 26 |
Students start research, safety training, get parking permits, etc. |
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Friday, May 29 |
First public research progress report. |
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Friday, July 3 |
Independence Holiday observance |
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Friday, July 31 |
Public presentation of FINAL research report. |
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Friday, July 31 |
Last day of program. |
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Saturday, August 1 |
Departure |
This program is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) grant number 2244539 . Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF.