Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty: Dr. Davide Vigano
Description: The student will assist in experimental research using a supersonic wind tunnel, exploring how air behaves at speeds faster than sound. They will learn the fundamentals of high-speed aerodynamics and gain hands-on experience with advanced laser-based diagnostics, including Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), a technique used to visualize and measure fluid motion. Over the course of the program, the student will contribute to ongoing efforts to improve the laboratory’s PIV system, helping enhance the accuracy and quality of flow measurements. They will also be involved in operating the wind tunnel facility, gaining exposure to high-pressure air systems, control hardware, and data acquisition processes. This project provides an introduction to experimental research in aerospace engineering, combining theory, hands-on work, and cutting-edge measurement techniques used in real-world applications.
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty: Dr. Phillip Mulligan
Age requirement: 16 years+
Description: The student will assist in research on ballistics and explosives. They will work on their version of an armor for wearable ballistic protection. The student would spend the summer learning about terminal ballistics and additive manufacturing so they can design an armor for increased ballistic protection. Testing will be done in a safe and professional manner. The student will gain experience performing basic research, as well as exposure to instrumentation used in ballistics testing (high-speed camera, chronograph, etc.).
Biological Sciences
Faculty: Dr. Andrea Scharf
Description: Students will join our research team for a first hands-on research experience, studying aging using the genetic model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. They will combine wet-lab molecular biology with modern AI tools, working with real images and datasets to help develop computer-based methods that automatically identify life stages and track changes during aging.
Over the summer, the students will gain experience with core molecular biology techniques such as PCR, DNA-based analysis, and basic genetics, alongside handling live organisms, microscopy, and introductory data analysis. They will learn how experimental and computational approaches come together in modern biomedical research. No prior experience is required; this project is designed as an entry point for motivated high school students interested in biology, genetics, biomedical research, or technology.
This project introduces students to basic research—the first step in scientific discovery—and contributes to ongoing efforts to understand why we age and how we can stay healthy longer, while helping develop tools used by scientists in the field.
Physics
Faculty: Dr. Hyunsoo Kim
Description: Students will conduct research on quantum information science by fabricating and characterizing nano-scale superconducting circuits. Students will first be trained for lithography techniques, including photolithography and electron-beam lithography, as well as physical thin-film deposition techniques using magnetron sputtering guns in an ultra-high vacuum chamber. After the training, the superconducting circuit and microwave resonator will be designed by students before the fabrication of quantum devices. Depending on the characterization results from the fabricated quantum devices, the design and deposition conditions will be altered, and this cycle will be repeated until the performance of the quantum device meets the expectations for various research on circuit quantum electrodynamics and quantum computing. Students will gain comprehensive experience in quantum information science and technology.