Visiting students from across the country came to Cornell this June to experience life in advanced scientific research and engineering as part of the summer programs hosted by the Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based ScienceS and Education (CLASSE) and the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS). 

Through engaging research projects, technical lecture series, and hands-on learning, thirty students from institutions across the United States and Puerto Rico are taking their studies to the next level of research excellence.

At CHESS & CLASSE, undergraduate students are an integral part of cutting-edge research in photon science, particle accelerator physics, and astrophysics. They work on significant projects ranging from the CMS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider of CERN, to the muon g-2 experiment at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, and the Atacama Cosmology Telescope in Chile. Cornell’s collaborative culture, honed by decades of contributing to large-scale national projects, provides a supportive environment for students to train in real-world applications.

“This experience helped me grow both professionally and personally. I’m leaving with new skills from my project, the relationships I built with my fellow program participants, and above all, the satisfaction of having contributed to the automation of the PIPOXS Beamline's processes for data analysis,” said Ian Santiago Ojeda, a PREM student from the University of Puerto Rico. 

“Thanks to this summer program, I have decided to pursue an MD/PhD. The experience of conducting research and solving a problem (which is typically done in a PhD) was incredibly rewarding. I realized that I want to apply this research experience to the field of medicine.”

The US National Science Foundation (NSF) funds four summer programs at CLASSE & CHESS that are designed to attract a diverse range of students from varied academic backgrounds. The programs are open to students from all backgrounds. The REU program (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) hosts twenty students that delve into topics ranging from experimental cosmology to superconducting radiofrequency cavity development. The SERCCS program (Summer Engineering and Research for Community College Students) hosts three students that explore areas such as GUI for automated mechanical testing in data collection and improved feedback mechanisms for monochromator stabilization. The PREM (Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials) and SUNRiSE (Summer Undergraduate Research in Science and Engineering) programs host seven students from the University of Puerto Rico and Fort Lewis College to work on accelerator technologies including photocathode sources, electrochemistry, and x-ray optics.

“These programs provide high-quality research experiences for underrepresented students across the country, which is of special importance for undergrads who would not easily access such technical opportunities in traditional programs,” said Louise Debefve, CHESS project scientist and the CHESS summer program chair.

Students are paired with expert mentors to advise and collaborate throughout Cornell, as their projects cover a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines such as Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Data Science, Astrophysics, and Particle Physics. Their research endeavors range from developing advanced computational techniques for particle tracking to creating instrumentation for astronomical cameras or synthesizing new materials.

Junior Hill, a computer science student from Dutchess Community College, is working on "Development of Flyscanning for SPEC Macro Motors," programming optical table motors to enhance x-ray data collection techniques with his mentor Keith Surrena, CHESS Controls Engineer. “One of the most important things I have learned throughout the program is letting go of the fear for trying new things,” said Junior, a SERCCS participant from Central New York. “Learning takes time and with consistency comes mastery. When I first started the project, I doubted my capabilities considering I did not have much programming experience. However, as time went on, I am getting better with programming and more confident in my abilities.”

Also unique to these summer programs are the Science Communication Seminars, hosted by the CLASSE communications team, which train students to effectively convey the importance of their science and technology to target audiences. Key topics to boost their communications skills include: shaking off imposter syndrome, science writing for non-experts, visual accessibility in data graphing, and delivering high impact presentations.

For many students, the experience was a pivotal moment in their academic careers. “It is inspiring and exciting to be assisting with research that has real potential to benefit the planet,” said Katie Roseberry, a SUNRiSE student from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. “This summer has given me the confidence to pursue a graduate degree and further explore career opportunities in scientific research. Becoming a research scientist is an option I never thought would be possible for me.”

During their ten weeks at Cornell, students stay in the Hans Bethe dormitories and enjoy a range of activities in addition to their dedicated on-campus research, including trips to New York City, the Corning Museum of Glass, Niagara Falls, and local festivals in Ithaca. 

The summer programs at CLASSE and CHESS not only equip students with technical skills and research experience, but also foster a shared community with a passion for scientific innovation, preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers to make significant contributions to their fields.

Savan DeSouza is a communications assistant at the Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based ScienceS and Education (CLASSE).