Explore Research in Physics

At WashU Physics, research isn't just for graduate students - it's open to every undergraduate who's curious, motivated, and ready to explore. Whether you're a first-year student discovering your interests or a senior refining your expertise, there's a place for you in one of our many active research groups. 

Discover Your Area of Interest

Our department hosts vibrant research in:

• Astrophysics, Particle Astrophysics, Cosmology, & Space Sciences
• Biophysics
• Condensed Matter, Quantum Information, Quantum Materials & Quantum Sensors
• Nuclear and Particle Physics

Each area offers exciting opportunities to tackle big questions, work with cutting-edge instruments, and collaborate closely with faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. Engaging actively in research as an undergraduate student is highly recommended for students planning to do a PhD in Physics or in another science.

Research Opportunities for Every Student

You don't need prior experience - just curiosity and initiative. Any physics major who expresses interest and connects with a faculty mentor can get involved in research. Students often start as early as their first or second year. 

Research can take place:

• During the academic year (6-12 hours per week)
• Over the summer (part- or full-time)

Projects can be done for academic credit or through paid opportunities. The department provides strong support to help make research accessible for all interested students. Upper-level students often continue their projects into senior or honors theses, sharing their findings through reports, conferences, or publications. These experiences provide invaluable preparation for graduate study or research careers. 

Faculty Who Welcome Undergraduate Researchers

Many of our faculty regularly work with undergraduates on research projects. The list below includes professors who typically accept undergraduate researchers in their groups. 

Please note that being on this list does not necessarily mean a group is actively recruiting at this moment - availability can change from semester to semester. The best approach is to reach out directly to ask about potential opportunities. 

Even if a professor isn't listed here, don't hesitate to contact them if their work interests you! Many faculty are open to mentoring undergraduates once you've expressed your enthusiasm and taken the time to learn about their research. 

• Jim Buckley: Research focused on developing detectors for gamma-ray Astronomy and dark matter searches.
• Bhupal Dev: The Dev group is mainly focused on signatures of Beyond-the-Standard Model physics in Cosmological, Astrophysical and Laboratory searches.
• Erik Henriksen: The Henriksen lab uses a variety of electronic, optical, and thermodynamic approaches to study correlated electron physics, quantum spin liquids, and quantum sensing in atomically thin materials.
• Jonathan Katz: Coding for data analysis, mostly theoretical astrophysics, occasionally climate or other things.
• Henric Krawczynski: Analysis of archival data from NASA missions, and development of theoretical models to explain the data.
• Maria Piarulli: We are interested in understanding the forces between protons, neutrons, and external probes by applying quantum mechanics and high-performance computing to study nuclear structure and reactions from first principles, helping to interpret and guide experimental measurements.
• Mikhail Tikhonov: Often involve undergraduates in computational modeling of ecological and evolutionary processes, and data analysis from cool biological experiments by our collaborators.
• Xi Wang: Programming two-dimensional quantum materials to uncover and control emergent excitonic, magnetic, and optoelectronic phenomena for next-generation quantum devices.
• Li Yang: Research combines large-scale simulations with artificial intelligence to understand quantum mechanics and predict novel properties in new materials. 

How to Get Started

1. Explore research groups and decide which research area interests you most.
2. Attend Physics 582 seminars to learn about current projects.
3. Reach out to faculty whose work excites you - or meet with the Undergraduate Research Coordinator for personalized guidance.
4. When contacting a professor, introduce yourself, mention your interests, and include a short resume or list of physics courses and skills.
   1. Tip: Read about their research beforehand to make the most of your conversation. 

You can find additional details about undergraduate research at the university via the Office of Undergraduate Research. 

Research in the WashU Physics Department is your chance to move from learning physics to doing physics. Curiosity is the only prerequisite.