Student Groups

Columbia Physics benefits from and enjoys a vibrant student community. Students lead and run several groups, contributing to an intellectual, collegial, and lively atmosphere in the Department.  In addition to the many departmental seminars and events, student group sponsored seminars and events provide additional opportunities for further participation and engagement in a range of social, educational, and career-advancing activities.

Undergraduate physics majors at Columbia maintain a chapter of the Society of Physics Students. This student-run group organizes meetings and other activities of interest to physics majors.

Spectra is a society for diversity and inclusion in physics. The student group is comprised of undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctorates from Columbia University with the purpose of connecting and promoting underrepresented students in the field of physics. This group seeks to foster a strong and supportive physics community on campus in order to facilitate collaboration and mentorship among peers and faculty in all related physics departments.

More information about Columbia Spectra can be found here.

Spectra Columbia has kindly compiled the below Research Experience for Undergrads opportunities in 2022

General list for REUs:
https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.jsp

List of REUs in physics:
https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.jsp?unitid=69

Columbia math REU:
https://www.math.columbia.edu/programs-math/undergraduate-program/undergraduate-research/summer-undergraduate-research/

Caltech SURF program:
https://sfp.caltech.edu/undergraduate-research/programs/surf?fbclid=IwAR1wRRswsunDb8E4OCUDEtAZz-v9w6tU1AhcwkhL8YFV4_sokVk-N2L5HDM

Tips on applying to REUs:
https://geosciencewomen.org/be-prepared/real-world-experience/reu-application-tips/

https://astrobites.org/2013/01/05/so-you-want-to-apply-for-an-reu-heres-how/

Women in Science at Columbia (WISC) is an organization dedicated to the outreach, support, and advancement of women, underrepresented minorities, and their advocates in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematical graduate fields at Columbia University.

For more information, please visit the WISC homepage.

The Physics Graduate Council is a group of roughly 6-8 graduate students who work with the physics department faculty to make changes within the department and organize various events.

For more information, check this page, or email physicsgradcouncil@columbia.edu. We also have a Facebook page.

In memory of 1944 Nobel Laureate, Columbia faculty physicist, and alumnus Prof. I.I. Rabi, incoming first-year students who demonstrate exceptional promise in the sciences are awarded RABI fellowships for their four years at Columbia University.

For more information, visit the Rabi Scholar Program homepage.