Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) by JINA-CEE - 10 Reasons Why You Should Apply
If you’re interested in pursuing a college career in physics, you should consider participating in summer programs that explore nuclear physics and cover topics like astrophysics, cosmology, and nuclear science. Insights into these fields can help you make more sense of the world and you can even add to growing research on the origins of life and the universe! You can use this opportunity to work in laboratories, network with scientists and researchers, and conduct your own independent investigations. What’s more, extracurricular programs help strengthen your college application, showing demonstrable interest in a subject that admissions panels highly value.
If you’re interested, a program worth considering is the Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN), offered by the Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics — Center for the Evolution of the Elements (JINA-CEE), a collaborative institution spread across 24 centers in nine countries that research the cosmos. In this blog, we will deep dive into PAN by JINA-CEE— what it’s about, who can apply, the important dates, and give you 10 reasons to apply!
What is PAN by JINA-CEE all about?
PAN is a free, week-long program that introduces students to the fundamentals of atomic nuclei and how these nuclei are connected to the fields of astrophysics and cosmology. The program takes place at Michigan State University at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), a nuclear physics research and training facility funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (Office of Science).
By participating in the PAN program at FRIB, you get to learn about how a top laboratory conducts nuclear physics research, do your own experiments, learn about cosmology, astrophysics, and nuclear physics, network with researchers and peers, and learn more about the potential career paths in these fields.
Is the program prestigious?
The program is quite prestigious and fairly selective. Moreover, it is a free program and even offers options for free housing, which adds to its selectivity and prestige. PAN accepts 24-25 students annually and receives 200+ applications.
What are the important dates?
PAN will be held from July 22-26, 2024. Applications for the 2024 program have ended. The 2025 edition will likely be held sometime during the last two weeks of July, similar to the previous year. You can stay updated on the program website for when applications open for the 2025 cohort.
Who is eligible for the program?
All high school students can apply. You must be a U.S. resident to be eligible for the program. No exceptions will be made.
How much does the program cost?
Nothing! PAN is a fully-funded program. Free housing is available if required.
What do I need to apply?
To apply, you must fill in the online pre-application, application form, and submit two teacher recommendation letters.
If you are interested in the program, here are 8 reasons why you should apply:
1. If you get in, you are part of a selective cohort
PAN receives over 200 applications annually and selects no more than 25 students, meaning roughly one in 10 are accepted into the program. Your application, especially the teacher recommendations, is important. We suggest that you contact referees who are physics/STEM teachers as far as possible. They must be able to speak about your academic performance, curious nature, and ability to think outside the box.
2. You do not need any prior experience to apply
While a demonstrated affinity toward physics — especially astrophysics and cosmology — would help your application, PAN does not mention previous experience as a prerequisite. The program is aimed toward novices and will teach you the fundamentals of nuclear physics through lectures, lab visits, seminars, and independent research.
3. You do not have to pay anything!
PAN, held at Michigan State University’s FRIB facility, is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The program is free for students and even offers to cover housing for deserving candidates, lowering barriers to entry for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. You would only have to pay for transport and food for the duration of the program.
4. You get to experience a world-class research institute
Michigan State University’s FRIB is a state-of-the-art facility that hosts the world’s most powerful rare isotope accelerator. It is supported by the Department of Education’s Office of Nuclear Physics. FRIB regularly conducts research on superheavy elements, leads discoveries of isotopes and atomic nuclei, and has even created lab-made atoms to understand the cosmic origins of heavy metals. Experiencing research here, even for a limited time, will give you new insights into nuclear physics and let you connect with researchers, giving you new insights into academia.
5. You can undertake a research project
PAN organizers let students complete a research project as part of the program. In 2023, students learned how to construct nuclear models and evaluate them. The 2022 cohort created neutron capture process models, simulated nuclear fragmentation, and built a 3D model of the nuclides chart using LEGOs.
6. You learn about the fundamentals of nuclear physics through lectures conducted by researchers and graduate students
FRIB staff and student researchers hold lectures for PAN students, covering topics like radiation detection, exploring matter/antimatter disparity in the universe, and the history of nuclei created since the Big Bang.
7. You can network with professionals and peers
PAN gives you the unique opportunity to meet, learn from, and network with scientists and graduate students who study and work in nuclear physics. You can use this opportunity to expand your understanding of the subject and make connections to help you later in life. You will also meet like-minded students from across the country, making you part of a large community!
8. The program will add prestige to your college application
Working in a leading research lab, interacting with scientists, and conducting your own research project will add prestige to your college application and prove a demonstrable interest in nuclear physics, which can help you be accepted into your preferred program.
Our final thoughts on the program
We recommend PAN for its accessibility — it is free and housing is covered, which reduces your out-of-pocket expenditure. Additionally, the program is a great way to introduce yourself to nuclear physics by experiencing research first-hand in a state-of-the-art laboratory and learning from scientists and researchers.
Bonus — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program!
If you’d like to participate in a rigorous research program open to high schoolers, you may want to consider the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded by researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Kieran Lobo is a freelance writer from India
Image Source: JINAA-CEE logo