The JLab Theory Center is engaged in a range of outreach activities aiming to disseminate its specific knowledge and research to the broader academic community, attract and train future generations of scientists, and promote the awareness and understanding of science in society at large. Programs are aimed at university students at the graduate and undergraduate level, K-12 students in local school systems, and social media audiences.
A particular goal of outreach is to increase the participation of underrepresented communities in the sciences, both as a matter of overcoming long-standing barriers preventing the full participation of these groups and in the service of promoting Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) at JLab. Several of the outreach programs listed below are either specifically aimed at underrepresented communities or have significant participation from these groups.
Becoming Enthusiastic About Math and Science (BEAMS):
- Collaboration between JLab and Newport News City Public Schools;
- Explaining science to students and teachers;
- Role model program for redressing the problems of underrepresented groups in science.
JSA/JLab High School Mentor Program:
- Students are typically available 4-6 hours each week to support new or ongoing projects; contact Carol McKisson.
JSA/JLab High School Summer Honors Program:
- High-school students work on JLab projects during the Summer, for 6 forty-hour weeks.
Research Experience for Undergrads (REU):
- Provides research opportunities for college and university students in accelerator physics and nuclear physics;
- The students work with ODU faculty and Jefferson Lab staff scientists at Jefferson Lab on their research projects.
Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI):
- Encourages and prepares students to pursue graduate school for advanced degrees in experimental/theoretical physics and accelerator science;
- Students contribute to JLab's science program by working on projects under the supervision of Lab scientists, engineers, and users.
JSA Minority/Female Undergraduate Research Assistantship (MFURA):
- Providing support to an outstanding student performing research related to the mission of JLab.
UNAM/JLab summer experience for students from Mexico:
- This program selects the top theory student graduating from a Mexican university, and allows them to come to JLab in the summer.
Hampton University Graduate Studies Program (HUGS):
- International school for graduate students;
- Experimental and theoretical nuclear and particle physics lectures by internationally renowned lecturers, leaders in their fields;
- Intensive, interactive, friendly, social and casual program;
- Recitations, student seminars and student awards;
- Includes a JSA/HUGS fellowship for developing countries;
- Offers a Physics Careers workshop.
International Summer Schools on Reaction Theory:
- The Joint Physics Analysis Center (JPAC) offers a two-week program on hadron physics and reaction theory lectures.
Remote Experiences for Young Engineers and Scientists (REYES):
- A virtual international program hosted by ODU to give aspiring Scientists the opportunity to hear about cutting-edge research from experts;
- The program includes: mini-courses, lectures, activities, STEM panels, social events, etc.
High Achieving Latinx in Engineering and Sciences (HALES):
- An initiative to draw high-achieving Latinxs to ODU, JLab and NASA.
Python4Physics (P4P):
- Summer program for individuals wanting to learn to program.
- This course is designed for participants that have a Middle School level background in Math with no prior knowledge in programming.
