*** Auchincloss This grant will support the involvement of undergraduates nationwide to undertake supervised research projects in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Rochester. Aiming at 50% participation by women and underrepresented minorities, the project complements other college-wide and departmental initiatives to more fully engage these groups in science. Students may choose from the following experimental and theoretical research areas: particle and nuclear physics; quantum optics and laser; astrophysics and infrared astronomy; condensed matter physics; and biological and medical physics. On-site housing is available for all participants. The central research experience takes place during a 2.5-month, full-time work period each summer, during which time each student works closely with a faculty advisor to select a research project and pursue it. Mini- courses in machining and electronics are also offered, and a series of participant sessions is organized, including seminars on varied subjects -- such as applying to graduate school, ethical and policy issues in physics, and current topics in physics research -- and tours of research facilities (the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, the Mees Observatory, the Laser Cooling and Trapping Lab, and others). The summer program ends with a mini-symposium at which students present their research results. Students provide written reports of their research experience, and faculty advisors are requested to comment on student work. Each student is strongly encouraged to continue part-time work with his or her research advisory during the academic year, with the aim of completing a scientific publication. ***
