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Physics students posing.

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

  • Naomi

    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.

  • Portrait of Ian Freeman

    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

  • Image of HannahHannah 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.

CUWiP Image

Image of Amelia

Amelia Korveziroska

Attending Harvard as part of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates(REU) Program in Summer 2022.

 

Portrait of Ian Freeman

Ian Freeman

Attending Northwestern as part of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates(REU) Program in Summer 2022.

 

Image of JoshJosh Nepomuceno

Participating in a Summer 2022 internship at State Farm.

 

 

Image of MinaniMinani Alexis

Participating in a Summer 2022 internship at Fermilab

 

 

Student Success - Graduate Schools

Graduate Schools

Image of Alex Plumadore

Alex Plumadore

Attending Ph.D program in Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, Indiana starting Fall 2021.

 

Image of Brighton Coe

Brighton Coe

Attending Ph.D program in Physics at University of Wisconsin - Madison starting Fall 2021.

 

Image of Harold

Harold Diaz

Attending Ph.D program in Physics at University of Mizzouri - Columbia starting Fall 2021.

 

Image of TorreyTorrey Saxton

Attending Ph.D program in Physics at University of Notre Dame starting Fall 2019.

 

Image of Jonathan UngerJonathan Unger

Attending Ph.D program in Physics at Cornell University starting Fall 2019.

 

 

Student Success - Career

Career

Image of Marcos PerezMarcos Perez

Working as Water Laboratory Technician at Antunes starting June 2022

 

Image of Daniel EggenaDaniel Eggena

Working as Sr. Battery Test Technician at Rivian Automotive, Inc. starting November 2021

 

Image of ZackZach Temple

Working as Software Development Engineer at Amazon starting October 2021