The Directed Energy Professional Society, (DEPS) encourages undergraduate students to pursue undergraduate
research in directed energy (DE) areas. To help facilitate this goal, DEPS has established the
DEPS Undergraduate Research Program (DEPSURP) that funds suitable projects. This program is made possible
by funding from the Joint Directed Energy Transition Office (JDETO) and DEPS.
Program Overview
The DEPS Undergraduate Research Program is designed to foster an environment of inquiry,
critical thinking, and hands-on learning for undergraduate students. By engaging in independent research
| Scope |
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The scope of DE projects can include high energy laser and high-power microwave components, systems and
effects. The disciplines include but are not limited to:
- science - physics, chemistry
- engineering - electrical, optical, chemical, mechanical, and materials
- mathematics and computer science
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projects, students will gain valuable experience in research methodologies, problem-solving, and
communication skills. The program aims to bridge classroom learning with real-world research,
empowering students to contribute to their field of study and preparing them for graduate school
or careers in the DE research-intensive industries.
The program is structured to provide flexibility,
allowing students to engage in research across various disciplines while receiving comprehensive support
through mentorship, funding, and training.
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Program Objectives
• Engagement in Original Research: Enable undergraduates to
conduct meaningful research under the mentorship of faculty members.
• Skill Development: Equip students with
essential research skills, such as data collection, analysis, literature review, and technical writing.
• Collaboration and Networking: Foster
collaboration between students, faculty, and industry, government, or academic partners through workshops,
and research presentations.
• Preparation for Advanced Study: Provide a
strong foundation for students pursuing graduate-level education by exposing them to the research process
and expectations.
• Knowledge Dissemination: Encourage students
to present and publish their findings at academic conferences, research symposia, and in peer-reviewed
journals.
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Program Benefits
• Hands-on Experience: Students gain practical,
hands-on experience in conducting research, helping them solidify their knowledge and enhance their
problem-solving abilities.
• Mentorship: Close interaction with faculty
mentors builds lasting academic and professional relationships, fostering guidance and support beyond
the program.
• Publication and Presentation Opportunities: Students
who participate in the DEPSURP often have the chance to publish their work helping to establish themselves
early in their academic careers.
• Enhanced Career Prospects: Participation in
the DEPSURP sets students apart when applying for graduate programs, scholarships, or research-oriented
careers.
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The DEPS Undergraduate Research Program serves as a cornerstone for developing critical thinking, fostering
innovation, and preparing the next generation of scholars, scientists, and professionals. By immersing
students in the research process, the program will enable them to contribute to their fields and prepares
them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Sample Areas of Interest
DEPS sponsored research covers a broad spectrum of DE science and engineering disciplines. Listed below are
the technology areas of interest.
These do not exhaust the possibilities but are included here to stimulate some possible project ideas.
Any research within scope can be considered.
Basic and developmental research on: High Power Electromagnetic Sources and Components; Novel
Electromagnetic Sources; High Power Electromagnetics Systems; and High-Power Electromagnetic Effects,
Modeling, and Simulation.
RF science, High Energy Lasers, High Power Ultrafast Lasers, Atmospheric Light
Propagation, Laser-plasma Interaction, Lasers and coherent sources, optics, beam control, optical materials,
detectors, and photonics. Interest is on cutting-edge in pulsed power, solid state solutions for photonics
(whether that is RF photonics, nano-photonics, higher powered or mid-IR fiber lasers) and novel laser device
theory or concepts.
Target Acquisition and Tracking, Optical Materials in Extreme Environments,
high-temperature materials and materials mechanics and structure, and Advanced Laser/MW Communications
Request for Proposals
Proposals to pursue projects in areas listed within the scope of areas of interest will be accepted from
currently enrolled junior or senior students at U.S. colleges and universities or from faculty at these
| Eligibility & Applications |
- The program is open to all US Citizen undergraduate students from any discipline who
have completed at least one year of study.
- Students must submit an application outlining their research interests as well as
a proposed project, and a letter of intent from a faculty mentor willing to supervise
their work.
- Applications will be evaluated based on the feasibility and originality of the
proposed project, as well as the academic merit of the student.
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schools who advise and direct such students on undergraduate research projects. Funded projects may have a
period of up to nine months, but students must not graduate before the end of the project. The project must
be part of the students' curriculum to include earning academic credit for the project work. Projects will
be selected for funding based on a proposal. This proposal must include these parts:
Title page
The title page will include title of the project, names, majors, and anticipated graduation date of any
project team members, if known; name, department and contact information for all faculty advisors; and name
and location of the school.
Description of the project
The description of the project is limited to three pages. The proposal will provide an overview of the project
and its pertinence to directed energy. It will describe the project, including an objective, background,
methods, and expected results. Methods can include analysis, experimentation, theoretical exploration,
applications of engineering design principles, simulation and other approaches. Projects can be pursued by
individuals or by teams. If teams, roles for each team member should be identified. The description should
provide a justification for the expenditures in the project budget. The production of a final report by the
students should be included in the project.
Schedule and budget
This portion of the proposal will include a schedule for the project and a proposed budget. The schedule
cannot exceed nine months, and the project must conclude before any participating student's anticipated
graduation date. The expected start date and end date should be specified.
The proposal schedule must include a period to produce a final report of at least three pages, which
must be approved by the faculty advisor and submitted to DEPS by the end date. The report must be the work
of the students who work on the project. The report will summarize the technical achievements and account
for the expenditure of funds.
Funds can be requested for equipment, supplies, services, or other requirements to support the project
as outlined in the description of the project. The total budget cannot exceed $4,000. The funding is
intended as a supplement to enhance the educational experience. Salaries and honoraria will not be funded.
No overhead charges of any kind will be allowed.
>>>> Proposal Submissions <<<<
Proposals are due by 1 December for projects to begin in the spring and 1 July for
projects to begin in the fall. Proposals should be sent as an email attachment to
Cynnamon Spain at cynnamon@deps.org.
Proposals may be submitted by faculty or students. If submitted by students, a copy of the email must be
sent to the main faculty advisor.
Proposals will be judged by their pertinence to directed energy, the clarity of the explication, and
the likelihood of success. Faculty advisors and students may be contacted for clarification of issues
during the evaluation process.
If you have questions about any of this, contact Cynnamon Spain at
cynnamon@deps.org or 505-998-4910.
Networking Events
The program may organize networking events with alumni, industry professionals, and graduate students,
giving undergraduates opportunities to explore career paths, learn about various research fields, and
gain insights from professionals in their areas of interest.
Last updated: 31 October 2024
