Laser Lab Offers High School Summer Research Program

The University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) announces its 2007 High School Summer Research Program. About 12 students from area high schools who have finished their junior year will spend eight weeks this summer working on projects at LLE.

These projects will be related to LLE's 60-beam OMEGA laser, the world's most powerful fusion laser, and the OMEGA EP laser, currently under construction, and will be supervised by members of the research staff. In addition to their projects, the students will attend seminars in the areas of science and technology. The students will work 40 hours per week and will culminate in a symposium on Aug. 24 when the students will present the results of their summer work.

The goal of this program, which is in its 19th year, is to expose highly motivated students, including women and underrepresented minorities, to research in science and technology in a realistic environment. In the past, several projects have led to recognition in national science competitions, including the Intel Science Talent Search and the Siemens Westinghouse competition. Three students from the 2006 program were among just 300 nationwide who reached the semifinals of the Intel competition. Stephen Craxton, a senior scientist at LLE, supervises the program.

Applications are due at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, 250 East River Road, Rochester, NY 14623-1299 by March 16. The applications must include a short essay describing the student's interest in science and technology and a supporting letter from a teacher. Many of the applicants will be interviewed and decisions will be made by the end of April.

For more information and application forms, visit the LLE Web site (www.lle.rochester.edu) or contact Craxton at (585) 275-5467.