Massachusetts Physics Internship?

[derek.basler]

Does anyone know where I would be able to get a physics internship in massachusetts or anywhere relatively close by? (i.e. New England, New York, Pennsylvania etc) It would be greatly appreciated if anyone had an information.

 

[eri]

Here's a list of REU (research experience for undergraduates) programs for the summer of 2009, funded by the NSF. There are more out there as well, and if you're into astronomy, the AAS (http://www.aas.org) maintains a list of programs as well. Most applications are due in Dec/Jan so start now.

http://www.eg.bucknell.edu/physics/reu.html
http://www.nevis.columbia.edu/reu/
http://www.lepp.cornell.edu/Education/REUatLEPP.html
http://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/education/reu/
http://www.physics.lehigh.edu/
http://www.rpi.edu/dept/phys/undergraduate/research/reu.html
http://www.sunysb.edu/ureca/physicsreu.htm
http://pages.towson.edu/schaefer/REU/Welcome.htm
http://www.ireap.umd.edu/TREND/
http://www.pas.rochester.edu/REU

 

[derek.basler]

so this just for undergrads, not high school kids? because I'm only a junior :(

 

[WarPhalange]

How much physics have you taken? One of the reasons high-school kids aren't typically chosen for this stuff is because they wouldn't understand what is going on because they don't have the necessary background. But I don't know how much you know.

2 summers ago I did research over the summer and there was a high-school kid there that had just graduated and was about to be a freshman. But I haven't seen anybody younger than that.

 

[derek.basler]

Well I am in AP-Physics, which is a college course basically. I also read heavily on the subject, and am active on these boards. So maybe if I could possibly prove my worth to them? Why not! Thank you for your information!

 

[Vanadium 50]

This will be difficult, because you are still a minor. There are hazards in a laboratory, and the workplace regulations and restrictions for minors are very, very strict, I'm afraid. While I am not saying it's impossible, I am saying the vast majority of employers will simply say, "let him or her apply next year for next year's position".

 

[eri]

I think it will be tough to find an opportunity as a high school student. You'd be competing with undergrads who have taken more math, physics, computer science, possibly already have research experience, and need the position more. You might look into the NASA Summer School for high school students; I think they do some basic research. Or see if any of your teachers know a grad student who could use an assistant for the summer. The real problem is how much training goes into getting someone to the point where they can be productive, and the less college they've had the more training they'll need. Even freshmen in college often have trouble getting a position.