Department of Physics

Undergraduate Awards

• Donald Olson Memorial Scholarship
• Howard Hanson Scholarship
• Frank and Ruth Friebe Physics Award Fund
• Outstanding Physics Major Research Award
• Outstanding Physics Major Academics Award

Donald Olson Memorial Scholarship

Students in the early stages of their scientific studies can receive support to work on a research project in physics. An award of approximately $2000 is usually made each year, typically in conjunction with an Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) award. To qualify for consideration, a student must have a good academic record and be a freshman or sophomore (or a high school student or graduate) sponsored by a Physics faculty member. To apply, establish a plan for a research project with a faculty member and have this project brought to the attention of the Department prior to May 1. A plan submitted for a UROP application is sufficient, provided the nature of the additional work is explained.

Howard Hanson Scholarship

This scholarship is similar to the Olson Scholarship but is focused on students in later stages of their undergraduate career. At present the support available is slightly less, because the Fund is newer and therefore smaller, but the Department can sometimes contribute to the total from other sources to again reach $2000. To qualify for consideration, a student must have a strong academic record and be at least a sophomore, sponsored by a Physics faculty member. The application procedure is the same as for the Olson Scholarship.

Frank and Ruth Friebe Physics Award Fund

The Fund provides support for undergraduate and graduate student participation in research, when a financial need exists, as determined by the Physics Department Head. This can include support for travel to a meeting or project site. Requests can be made at any time to the Department Head.

Outstanding Physics Major Research Award

Each year the research projects completed by physics majors are evaluated for merit, and the student who worked on the best project is given this award, which includes a monetary prize of $200. Also, the student's name appears on a plaque displayed near the department office.

Outstanding Physics Major Academics Award

The graduating physics major with the highest overall gpa above 3.0 is given this award, which includes a $200 monetary prize and is acknowledged on an engraved plaque displayed near the department office.