Syracuse University Gravitational Wave Group

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Undergraduates can participate in our research in a variety of ways. Possible projects include inspiral data analysis, audio detector characterization, measurements of mirror scattering. Other topics involved in LIGO data analysis, detector characterization, or measurement of component physical properties are also possible.

What is most required is curiosity about this branch of physics, and the dedication to put in a steady effort. For example, for an independent-study research project for academic credit during the regular semester, we usually ask for minimum commitment of 10 hours per week. Summer projects are another good way to immerse yourself in research, and paid jobs are often available.

Some examples of recent student projects:

• Construction of a Michelson interferometer.
• Servo damping of a harmonic oscillator.
• Study of mechanical resonance damping in LIGO data classification of glitches in LIGO data.
• Sensitivity of LIGO to acoustic noise.
• Construction of scattered light measurement apparatus.