CoMPAs

Cohort Mentoring

Small cohorts of 4–5 students are matched with a faculty mentor they meet with at least twice a semester, from when they join through graduation.

Focused on building a sense of belonging, physics identity, and academic support, including career guidance — especially for students who don't yet see themselves reflected in the field and for everyone including prospective physics majors. A dedicated iCollege page provides a space for CoMPAs mentees to connect and to access resources and information about the program.

This subject specific academic guidence will be provided to students who are interested in joining a CoMPAs cohort. If you plan to join a CoMPAs cohort, you will be matched with one of the following faculty mentors based on your research interests and career goals based on the availability of mentors and the size of the cohort. The program is designed to provide a supportive environment for students to thrive academically and professionally. All physics majors and prospective physics majors are welcome to apply. Applications will be called at the beginning of each Fall and semester.

Undergraduate Internship Program

Paid research and teaching internships give students financial support while they gain hands-on experience in a lab or classroom setting. Applications are called before the start of each Fall and Spring semester.

Research Internships — $20 per hour for 10 hours per week, for 15 weeks. Students work with a faculty mentor on a research project and submit a final report on the work performed to the director of Undergraduate Research, Dr. Mike Crenshaw and may present their work at the end of the semester or at a conference.

Teaching Internships — $20 per hour for 5 hours per week, for 15 weeks. Students work as an undergraduate teaching assistant to a Studio Physics/Astronomy class or a selected upper-division course. On the job training will be provided to students to help them develop their teaching skills and gain teaching experience in the classroom. Students submit a final report on the work performed and their teaching experience to the director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Sumith Doluweera.

CoMPAs Faculty Advising is supplementary to University and College Advising

All students should still seek and communicate with University Advising, (upto 90 credit hours) and College Advising( 90 credit hours or above + graduation) as needed.

CoMPAs Faculty Mentors

Faculty mentors are volunteers from the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and include Dr. Amin Barooni, Dr. Fatih Tasar. Dr. Jeremy Maune, Dr. Megan Connors, Dr. Mike Crenshaw, Dr. Misty Bentz, Dr. Mukesh Dhamala, Dr. Sebastien Lepine, Dr. Shameer Abdeen, and Dr. Sumith Doluweera.

Professional Development

Professional development opportunities are available through the CoMPAs program. CoMPAs graduate student mentors Melody, Madison, and Mahamod lead and conduct profesional development events each semester designed to enhance students' academic and career prospects. Event schedules will be announced periodically via emails, through the CoMPAs website, and all Physics iCollege pages.

CoMPAs grant Team

Dr. Mike Crenshaw (Internship Coordinator), Dr. Misty Bentz, Dr.Megan Connors, Dr. Sebastien Lepine, and Dr. Sumith Doluweera(PI & Coordinator).