Faculty Mentoring

The Department of Physics provides custom faculty mentorship to help you grow academically, engage in research, and prepare for life after graduation.

Advising vs. Mentoring: Your Faculty Mentor provides long-term career and research guidance from a practicing physicist. This mentorship works alongside (not in place of) your primary Academic Advisor, who handles degree audits and course registration.

Eligibility & Expectatons

Who Gets a Faculty Mentor?

Declared physics majors who are currently enrolled in—or have completed—Physics III, Relativity, and Quantum Physics (PHYS 325) are assigned a dedicated Faculty Mentor by the department.

What Is Expected?

Mentees meet with their Faculty Mentor at least once per semester. Meetings focus on your short- and long-term professional goals, academic progress, and overall well-being. Over time, this relationship builds a strong professional connection with a working physicist who can advocate for your career.

How Your Faculty Mentor Can Help

Your Faculty Mentor supports your professional growth throughout your undergraduate journey, including:

  • Research Opportunities: Finding, joining, and excelling in departmental research labs.

  • Course Selection: Navigating advanced and elective physics courses aligned with your interests.

  • Post-Graduation Prep: Exploring summer REUs (Research Experiences for Undergraduates), graduate programs, and industry career paths.

  • Recommendations: Writing strong, personalized letters of recommendation for jobs and graduate schools.

  • Teaching & Outreach: Getting involved in undergraduate teaching, the Physics Club, campus outreach, and attending professional physics conferences.

Mentoring Form & Contacts

Program Questions?

If you have questions about the Faculty Mentoring program, please reach out to: