The purpose of this Research Experience for Undergraduates program at the University of Southern California is to provide research experiences for underrepresented groups within the interdisciplinary laser and photonics research facility of the Center for Laser Studies. This Center has a distinguished record, not only for world-renowned research, but also for nurturing the careers of women and underrepresented ethnic groups. All the undergraduates contribute substantially to the research at the Center for Laser Studies, working on nonlinear optics, fiber optic systems, solid-state lasers, laser processing, and quantum optics.