University of Washington, Seattle
Program for Advanced Training in Hands-on Science
About Our Program
Do Cutting-Edge Research. Build A Community. Explore Physics With Us!
University of Washington faculty perform internationally recognized research across a very wide range of areas; from the universe’s first stars to quantum computing, from imaging the brain with superconducting magnetometers to helping teach advanced laboratory techniques. The Physics Program for Advanced Training in Hands-on Science (PATHS) offers a unique opportunity for motivated community colleges students to gain hands-on experience in physics laboratories at the University of Washington, Seattle. Participants are paid to do up to 8 hours a week of research starting ~6 months before they transfer. This early exposure helps students envision themselves studying at a four-year institution, build support networks, and gain research experience they can use to further their careers. After they transfer, students can continue to perform research in the lab and become the undergraduate mentors for the next cohort of Community College transfer students.
PATHS is an expansion of the community college transfer program that has been operating out of Miguel Morales’ Radio Cosmology (RadCos) group since 2009. This program has been helping Washington community college students become physics majors, with many students continuing to graduate school and four students (to date) having completed their physics PhDs. We are currently expanding the program with four research groups for the 2024-2025 season.
Research
What are my research options? What is the day-to-day research like?
After joining a research group as a Physics PATHS student, you will have the opportunity to work in collaboration with other UW undergraduate and graduate students in a lab on the UW Seattle campus. PATHS students will be paired with other incoming transfer students so they can support each other as they learn python programming, advanced data visualization and hands-on experimental procedures. Each pair is directly mentored by a postdoc or graduate student, with weekly individual meetings and very lively slack and whiteboard discussions as well as weekly in-person group meetings. This community both helps students learn research skills and to develop the confidence and study partners needed to succeed in physics.
After transferring, Physics PATHS students have the opportunity to continue working for their research group throughout their time as an undergraduate on the UW Seattle campus and can become undergraduate mentors for the next generation of PATHS community college transfer students.
Key Characteristics
Curiosity & Open-Mindedness
A good researcher is naturally curious and eager to explore new ideas, theories, and methods. They are open to learning from diverse sources and perspectives, and are willing to challenge their own assumptions in order to deepen their understanding.
Critical Thinking Skills
Being able to critically evaluate information, identify gaps in existing knowledge, and assess the validity of sources and methodologies is essential for successful research. A good researcher approaches problems analytically, considering multiple angles and alternative explanations.
Persistence & Resilience
Research often involves setbacks, failed experiments, and unexpected results. A good researcher remains persistent in the face of challenges and is resilient enough to learn from mistakes and keep moving forward despite the setbacks.
Attention to Detail
Research requires precision. A good researcher is meticulous in collecting, analyzing, and recording data, ensuring accuracy and consistency in every step of the research process.
Time Management & Organization
Scientific research involves managing multiple tasks, deadlines, and resources simultaneously, so it’s important to be able to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and stay organized. This allows groups to stay on track and complete projects efficiently.
Effective Communication
Whether it’s writing a research paper, presenting findings, or collaborating with others, a good researcher can communicate ideas clearly and persuasively. They can convey complex concepts in an accessible way and are able to collaborate effectively with peers, mentors, and advisors.
Interested?
Tell Us About Yourself
Fill out our short interest survey to tell us more about yourself and your interests!
Attend Our Open Lab Tour Day!
Join us for the February 2025 open lab tour day! You’ll have a chance to meet UW physics research advisors, see their labs, and meet your potental colleagues!
Details TBA!
Chat with a PATHS Research Advisor
Meet with a potential research advisor to learn more about their group and research.
Start Research
Research often involves setbacks, failed experiments, and unexpected results. A good researcher remains persistent in the face of challenges and is resilient enough to learn from mistakes and keep moving forward despite the setbacks.