Acceptance and Getting Started at NSCL

If you spent an REU summer or the summer prior to entering graduate school at NSCL, you already know your way around. If not—no problem. Let any NSCL faculty person know that you are interested in doing research NSCL. Maybe it is someone who taught one of your classes, or someone you met at the departmental picnic or colloquium. Or come to one of our outside barbecues when it's warm (behind our machine shop) or pizza parties when it's cold (in the atrium). Or you can contact our Associate Director for Education, Prof. Michael Thoennessen— he will be glad to discuss your plans.
Brad will suggest a few faculty whom you might want to talk to. If you think you want to work with one of them and the faculty person agrees, you will do a research project with that person, maybe by enrolling in PHY800. During the summer months, students with plans to pursue a Ph.D. in nuclear science or accelerator physics are supported by summer research assistantships. If things work out—and they usually do—the faculty person can become your academic advisor.
Once it is clear that you will start researching at the NSCL. everything is straightforward. You will see Kay Barber (barber@nscl.msu.edu, 517-333-6334) to process your paperwork, to get you a key, and to have your picture taken for the picture board. Kay will also show you around the building and arrange for safety training. You will also get your own desk with a PC.
If you live far away or overseas and need help in organizing a place to stay or live or a ride from the airport or anything else, please let us know. Tell the faculty person or the graduate student with whom you are in contact already. Or let Chasity Fudella know (fudella@nscl.msu.edu, 517-333-6335). We will help you get going.