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Scholarships
Research
Study Abroad
Service Learning
Organizations
Awards

Scholarships

Semmes Distinguished Scholars in Science Scholarship
Trinity University selects two or three outstanding incoming first-year students to be Semmes Distinguished Scholars in Science. This full-tuition scholarship, designed for four years of undergraduate study, is accompanied by a $5,000 stipend for research, materials, and professional travel. The scholarship is renewable provided awarded students maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and major in a STEM field.

Student Financial Services

Find out more scholarship and financial aid information through the Office of Student Financial Services.

Student Financial Services
@email

Research

Trinity students research computational and experimental biophysics, cellular membrane dynamics, theoretical quantum mechanics, nanotechnology, gravitational wave detection, quasars and active galaxies, magnetic storms, comets, and black holes. 

Astronomy students also benefit from research opportunities with San Antonio’s Southwest Research Institute, as well as trips to the McDonald Observatory.

Those who complete intensive research projects are often co-authors on publications in prestigious peer-reviewed journals. In experimental groups, students use cutting-edge equipment to take data. They may also present their research at national and regional scientific conferences. 

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Office of Experiential Learning

Undergraduate research is central to Trinity University's values. The Office of Experiential Learning provides a place for students to gain information about internships, community service and service-learning opportunities, beyond the classroom course projects, and undergraduate research opportunities.

Study Abroad

Today, cross-cultural understanding is as much a practical necessity as an educational standard. More than 45 percent of Trinity students study abroad.

For physics majors, Trinity’s labwork is consistently concentrated in the fall, which makes it even easier to be part of these experiences in the spring. Physics students have ventured as far as Scotland or Australia for their study abroad opportunities.

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The Study Abroad Office can help you find an opportunity based on your interests and/or studies. 

Study Abroad Office
@email

Service Learning

Through the Society of Physics Students, students often volunteer with local science fairs, major fairs, and STEM Fests.

 

Student Organizations

Trinity houses an active chapter of the Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma. The Physics Department is also active in both the Trinity Women in Science and Technology (TWIST) and the Trinity Women in Physics (TUWiP) student organizations.

Sigma Pi Sigma
The Sigma Pi Sigma honor society exists to recognize outstanding scholarship in physics; to encourage interest in physics among students at all levels; to promote an attitude of service of its members towards their fellow students, colleagues, and the public; and to provide a fellowship of persons who have excelled in physics.

Join today

Use the Student Organization Portal to join an active organization or start one on campus.

Student Engagement & Development Office
getinvolved@trinity.edu

Student Awards and Recognition

Outstanding Graduating Senior Award
This award is given to a student based on their overall academic and research performance in physics and general contribution to the department.

SPS Leadership Award 
This award is given for service to the Society of Physics Students and its mission of community outreach.

Garnett G. Gray General Physics Prize
This award is given to the student who earns the top score on a first-year physics exam in honor of former department member Professor Gray.

Wagner Prize
In honor of Mr. & Mrs. Wagner, donors for the Wagner Physics Center, this award is given to the student with the top score on the senior assessment exam in physics.