The National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) hosted the 2019 Nuclear Science Summer School (NS3) from 12-18 May. This is the fourth year for the annual educational event. NS3 received funding from the National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) grant, NSCL, and the Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics – Center for the Evolution of the Elements. All of the students received full support for their participation.
At NS3, fourteen undergraduate students from thirteen universities spent a full week at NSCL. These students spent time learning about nuclear science. Participants interacted with many lecturers, graduate students, and post docs from FRIB. The students attended lectures from experts in the field, engaged in hands-on activities, and took a tour of the laboratory.
A 2004 report found less than thirty percent of U.S. university physics departments offered a full nuclear physics course. Due to this, NS3 was created to introduce undergraduate students to the field.
“NS3 is great because we expose the students to a bit of everything,” said Associate Professor of Physics and NSCL Associate Director for Education and Outreach Artemis Spyrou. “Not only do they get the chance to attend lectures from experts and get some hands-on experience, they’re surrounded by a group of peers as well.”
Students were able to gain experience in applications of nuclear physics, as well as current open questions. The students also had the opportunity to use hands-on equipment and tools.
JINA-CEE is a National Science Foundation (NSF) Physics Frontiers Center that addresses fundamental questions about the nature of extremely dense matter in the cosmos, and the origin of the chemical elements that make up our world. Learn more at the JINA-CEE website.