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College junior Amanda Delzer knows that graduate school is in her future. She came to the realization this summer while conducting research with faculty and doctoral students on the PSU campus—a bit unusual since Delzer is a physics major at Lewis & Clark College.

Delzer is one of 10 students from around the country working in state-of-the-art PSU laboratories through the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation, REU gives undergraduate students first-hand, basic research experience in all science and engineering fields.

Portland State's REU program was established in 2001 by Jun Jiao, associate professor of physics and of electrical and computer engineering. Students receive a stipend for the eight-week, intensive, summer program as well as the opportunity to continue their research throughout the academic year.

Delzer worked with physics professor Erik Sanchez determining optical constants—the interaction of light—on thin metal surfaces. This type of research is important to the semiconductor industry and important to PSU. Since 1999, increasing external research funding has been a priority for the University and its Building Our Future campaign. Over $18 million has been contributed from private donors such as foundations and other organizations out of a total of $192 million in externally funded research and projects.