The University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) announces its 2009 High School Summer Research Program.
Approximately 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, one of the world's most powerful fusion lasers, and the Omega EP laser, the new petawatt extension to Omega.
The students will be supervised by members of the research staff, and will attend seminars in areas of science and technology. The program will begin July 6 and will culminate in a symposium on Aug. 26 when the students will present the results of their summer work. The students will work 40 hours per week and will be paid.
The goal of this program 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. Two students from the 2008 program were among just 300 nationwide who reached the semifinals of the Intel competition. Stephen Craxton, a senior scientist at LLE, supervises the program, which is in its twenty-first year.
Applications are due at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, 250 East River Road, Rochester, NY 14623-1299 by March 25. 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 please visit the LLE Web site (www.lle.rochester.edu) or contact Craxton at (585) 275-5467.