Student Life

We have lots of ways for you to get involved in the department. Participating in student life gives you opportunities to meet friends, network with professionals, and have tons of fun.

Student Organizations

Astronomy Club

We are a student organization that meets bimonthly to share our passion for astronomy in a number of different ways including, but not limited to: presentations, videos, crafts, star-gazing, field trips, and an annual, friendly rocket building competition. It shall be the purpose of the Astronomy Club to provide an outlet for intelligent discussions on subjects pertaining to the study of Astronomy and its advances, and to encourage interest in astronomy throughout the public and student body.
Innovative Design Project (IDP)

This group includes trailblazers and problem solvers. They are the answer to the popular statement, "There's got to be a better way to do this!" Students in IDP have some technical ability and work alongside fellow team members to produce a workable solution to a problem they choose to tackle.

For more information, contact George Rutherford at ghr@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-2934.
Physics Club

A place for people interested in physics to discuss, experiment, and share the joy of physics with others in the club, community, and public through discussions, demonstrations, experiments, and free tutoring to students in need.

Members of the Physics Club can also be a part of the Society of Physics Students. This national organization helps students transform themselves into contributing members of the professional community.
Physics on the Road

Take your love of physics to the streets. This group puts on shows for schools and youth groups to promote scientific awareness.

For more information, contact Jay Ansher at jansher@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-5247.
Solar Car Team

The Illinois State Solar Car competes across the nation and the world. Students and faculty from a variety of disciplines work on the car and enhance their skills in science, engineering, and technology. The car also serves as an educational program to demonstrate the benefits of alternative energy.
For more information, contact Jim Dunham at judunha@IllinoisState.edu or .309-438-8727

Student Success

In recent years, our students have gone on to receive prestigious national scholarships, enroll in graduate programs in top institutions, as well as secured jobs and internships in reputed private companies after graduation. Here we highlight some of our students' most recent successes.

Scholarship and Awards

Robert Sevik

Named a 2024 Barry Goldwater Scholar. The award is one of the most prestigious national scholarships in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.Two Illinois State University students win 2024 Goldwater Scholarships - News - Illinois State
Amelia Korveziroska

Named a 2024 Barry Goldwater Scholar. The award is one of the most prestigious national scholarships in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Quinn Mackenzie

Named a 2024 Bone Scolar. The Bone Scholarship, the highest university-wide honor given to undergraduate students, includes a monetary award from the Bone Scholarship endowment.
Naomi Satoh

Named a 2023-2024 Bone Scholar. The Bone Scholarship, the highest university-wide honor given to undergraduate students, includes a monetary award from the Bone Scholarship endowment.
Ian Freeman

Named a 2022-2023 Barry Goldwater Scholar. The award is one of the most prestigious national scholarships in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Read More
Hannah Alperstein

Named a 2021-2022 Bone Scholar. The Bone Scholarship, the highest university-wide honor given to undergraduate students, includes a monetary award from the Bone Scholarship endowment.

Student Success - Experience and Internships

Experience and Internships

CUWiP Conference 2023

ISU Physics students attend American Physical Society (APS) The Conference of Undergraduate Women in Physics (CUWiP) held at Argonne National Laboratory in January 2023.

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