Academics - UMD Physics

NSF S-STEM Program

Details: Created: Friday, February 03 2023 15:47; Last Updated: Wednesday, September 10 2025 10:40; Written by Aaron McQueen; Hits: 10528

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The S-STEM Chesapeake Scholars program is a multi-disciplinary scholarship within the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland, College Park. Funded by the National Science Foundation, Chesapeake Scholars is designed to serve undergraduate students with academic talent and unmet financial need across six physical science disciplines:

Astronomy
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Geology
Physics

The goals of this program are to increase retention, attract transfer students and undeclared students, and increase students’ sense of belonging. Findings from the Chesapeake Scholars program will be used to design and implement future programs at UMD to improve the educational experience for all undergraduates in our college.

The S-STEM Chesapeake Scholars program is intended to extend the success of previous University of Maryland S-STEM programs to a broader range of degree-seeking students. Scholars will be selected based upon demonstrated academic talent, unmet need, and interest in pursuing a degree in physical sciences. All inducted scholars must take a one-credit orientation seminar course in each of their first two semesters in our program.

For additional information, visit the Chesapeake Scholars page.

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Undergraduate Quantum Association (UQA)

Details: Created: Wednesday, September 28 2022 15:01; Last Updated: Wednesday, March 11 2026 10:19; Written by Aaron McQueen; Hits: 23824

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Are you interested in quantum computing and technology? Do you want to learn more about quantum mechanics and its range of applications?

Visit our website to learn more: https://umd-uqa.github.io/

We post our announcements in the UQA Discord server about meetings, events, opportunities, and more! Join our Discord by using this link: https://discord.gg/qtqcAjhRVP

The Undergraduate Quantum Association (UQA) is a research and career-oriented student organization which provides a space for students to engage with and learn more about quantum science! UQA helps to connect the campus community to the frontiers of quantum through various events. We have…

Taken tours to local facilities like IonQ, a quantum computing company focused on software and hardware development
Invited speakers from quantum industries to discuss their work via a speaker series
Invited UMD faculty to discuss quantum research opportunities on campus
Collaborated with hackathon organizations to create a quantum computing track

Our community consists of physics, computer science, and other majors who are eager to explore quantum science. Regardless of major, everyone is welcome at UQA!

We have weekly general body meetings on Wednesdays at 6PM in Room 2124 John S. Toll Building.

2025-26 Leadership Team:

Leadership: Mihir Talati, Neha Narayan, Valerie Hoang, Sam Cook, Kevan Kazeminezhad ,Sai Charush, Hanna Ashine, Shrya Krishnan, Sanskriti Farswal, Sakthi Madhan Kumar, Krithik Mohan

UQA Advisor: Donna Hammer

Association Sponsors:

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The Vortex Makerspace

Details: Created: Tuesday, October 30 2018 09:30; Last Updated: Tuesday, November 18 2025 15:08; Written by Aaron McQueen; Hits: 29629

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Join the Makerspace Today!

If you would like to get more involved, fill out https://ter.ps/Vortex2122.

About Us:

Welcome to the UMD Physics Makerspace! We seek to encourage learning, investigation, and collaboration through practical projects in electronics, fabrication, coding, and more. We focus on skills that are useful to a physics major in their career, but are not taught in any courses at UMD. While we are built around UMD physics, the same skills are useful in a range of fields, and all are welcome!

The Vortex is one makerspace among 25+ within the Makerspace Initative (MSI). The MSI is dedicated to providing students, faculty, and staff with the resources to create and innovate. For more information, visit their page.

You can get involved through our frequent hour-long workshops where we teach you a basic skill with no prior knowledge assumed. Or come drop on by any time (as long as we’re open) and chat with a shop manager about a project you are interested in working on in the space, and what resources we can offer you (make sure to check the shop manager schedule to find someone who is interested in the same topics as you!).

The Vortex is also the classroom for PHYS499X. PHYS499X is a laboratory course emphasizing practical skills for Physics experiments. The course covers design, fabrication, hands-on skills, repair, and safety. The course takes place within The Vortex to offer a curriculum focusing on practical skills that are not otherwise covered in the traditional coursework (e.g.: carpentry, electronics disassembly/assembly, soldering). Skills obtained and techniques learned in this course serve as a gateway into the Physics Makerspace community, and prepare students for experimental research experiences in future career trajectories, whether in research or industry.

Past Events

Physics Makers Camp

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Our Location:

We are located in building 111, tucked between the physics and chemistry buildings. The easiest way to enter the space is to go down the stairs behind Toll 1410 and 1412. Our official address can be found here: maps.umd.edu

When we are open, the door remains unlocked and you can come on in!

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Staff Contact Information:

Angel Torres: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Donna Hammer: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Undergraduate Student Committee

Details: Created: Tuesday, September 03 2019 11:37; Last Updated: Thursday, November 20 2025 13:49; Written by Aaron McQueen; Hits: 21359

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Our Mission:
The Physics Undergraduate Committee (PUC) strives to be a community-oriented organization for undergraduate students studying physics at the University of Maryland. We provide both academic and mental health resources in order to cultivate a well-roundedness in the undergraduate department. Supporting our peers is important to us, and ultimately we want every physics major to feel welcomed.

Undergraduate Research Colloquium:
PUC hosts undergraduate colloquia biweekly on Tuesday at 6:15 PM in Toll 2211, in whichundergraduate students are given the opportunity to present information regarding their scientific interests and research to their peers. Attending and speaking during colloquia is a great way to practice your scientific communication skills, so we encourage you to sign up with our interest form!

Soccer Tournament:
Every spring, we host our PUC Champions League soccer tournament. In the past, we’ve had over 60 players! Look out for the sign up in your email during the spring semester.

Mental Health Events:
To help de-stress during midterms, finals, and other critical points of the semester, the PUC mental health committee organizes activities like tea time, paper airplane building, and raises awareness for the mental health resources on campus. Check your email and for posted reminders for these activities on the 1st floor of Toll.

Leadership Bios:

Rafael Romero Mendez

Hello, I am Rafael, a senior in physics, and one of the presidents of PUC. Outside studying and quantum optics research, I enjoy listening to classical music (especially Ludovico Einaudi), reading books, and drinking coffee anywhere in DC.

Nathan Constantinides

Hello! I’m Nathan, and I’m a senior and co-president of PUC. I’m majoring in Physics and Computer Science. In my free time, I enjoy playing casual games like Stardew Valley, and am a big cat lover.

Samantha Otazo

Hi! I’m Sam, a junior double degree in Physics and Electrical Engineering! I’m serving on the Physics Undergraduate Committee's Communications team. Outside of teaching and research, I like trying new restaurants and taking walks around Lake Artemesia with my roommates.

David Giandrea

Hello, my name is David, and I am a junior physics and math double-major. I am part of PUC’s academic committee. Outside of physics, I enjoy coaching and playing basketball and playing guitar.

Paige Nolan

Hello, I’m Paige, and I am a sophomore double-majoring in physics and astronomy. I am part of PUC’s academic committee. Outside of physics, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and exercising!

Aashreya Govindu

Hello, I’m Aashreya, and I’m a sophomore double-majoring in physics and astronomy. I’m a part of PUC’s mental health committee. Outside of PUC and physics, I love to read, travel, and listen to music.

Chinmay Bharathulwar

Hello, I’m Chinmay, a freshman majoring in Physics. I am a member of PUC’s Communications committee. Outside of physics, I love watching the Knicks, Dolphins and Yankees.

Elliott Dansberger

Hello, my name is Elliott and I’m a freshman double-majoring in physics and chemistry. When not focused on my studies, I often spend my free time either coding or gaming, though I enjoy quiet reading too.

Sophie Parker

Hi! My name is Sophie and I am a freshman majoring in physics. I am a member of PUC’s mental health committee. Outside of PUC, I am an avid gym-goer, dog-lover, and piano enthusiast.

Contact Information:

Rafael Romero Mendez, Co-President