Light & Matter Summer Internship

A KSU–OU Summer Research Experience

The Light & Matter Summer Internship is a month-long collaborative research program between Kennesaw State University (KSU) and Ohio University (OU), designed to give undergraduate students hands-on experience at the forefront of theoretical condensed matter physics.

Through close collaboration with Prof. Mahmoud Asmar (KSU) and Prof. Nancy Sandler (OU), students dive into  cutting-edge theoretical research on periodically driven and nonequilibrium quantum systems—a frontier area in modern condensed matter physics. Working side by side with both faculty mentors, students explore advanced topics such as Floquet engineering, driven topological phases, and vortex light-driven materials.

The internship fosters a dynamic and collaborative research environment where KSU undergraduates team up with graduate and undergraduate researchers at OU, gaining exposure to diverse theoretical tools and perspectives. Through group meetings, joint problem-solving sessions, and daily mentorship, students develop both the technical depth and collaborative skills essential for a future in research.

In addition to theoretical work, participants also visit several world-class experimental research facilities at OU—including the Edwards Accelerator Laboratory, Prof. Eric Stinaff’s optics lab, and STM labs led by Profs. Arthur Smith and Saw Hla—to gain a broader appreciation for interdisciplinary connections between theory and experiment.

This immersive experience offers students a unique opportunity to grow as young scientists, build meaningful academic relationships, and prepare for graduate-level research careers.

We thank the U.S. Department of Energy for supporting this internship through Grant No. DE-SC0025703.