Events

SPS Events

As an organization made up of undergraduates, we try our best to cater our events to other undergraduate physics majors.

For General Meetings, we host a variety of events such as Industry Networking Night, Graduate School and Path to Professorship Panels – which focus on potential careers in physics (industry or academia related), socials and movie nights – which is allow students to take a break from school related stress, our annual luncheon + meet & greet with prestigious Nobel Laureates, and more!

Counter Space Meetings are for minoritized students in physics to build a caring community. It is intended for discussions on how students’ various identities are interrelated with the types of physicists they are. It’s a space to celebrate diversity in physics, critically examine and challenge the structural barriers minority students face while pursuing physics professionally, and provide peer support as well as helpful resources for students to navigate academia. Allies are welcome to the space to learn, and we ask that they follow community guidelines during the meetings to practice the most effective allyship. Details on the community guidelines will be given during meetings.

These events are made to help introduce & integrate undergraduate physics majors to the Physics Department at UCI. We are always open to ideas and suggestions for events!

Upcoming Events

Quarter: Winter 2024

EventDescription
Week 1: Intro Meeting + Job Search TipsWe will introduce the main goals of the quarter. We will also share some approaches that may help when looking for jobs and preparing for your future careers.
Week 2:
Counter Space
See the description above, Join the Discord for updates!
Week 3: Example Job Search + Advising Session
(6-7pm, FRH 2111 just around the SPS room)
Professor Collins will help demonstrate how an advising session works. This will help you think about important questions to ask yourself when career planning or during an advising session
Week 4:
Counter Space
See the description above, Join the Discord for updates!
Week 5: Guest Speaker: NASA internships
(2/5/24 5-6pm)
David Tow, a Systems Engineer at NASA will share his personal journey. He also is heavily involved with the internship program, so you will be able to learn what NASA looks for in interns and what you can do to maximize your chances.
Week 5: Midterm Review + De-stressReview for Lower Division Physics and Physics 61A, 111B, 112A. We will have some de-stressing activities available.
Week 6:
Counter Space
See the description above, Join the Discord for updates!
Week 7: Industry Night 6:30-8:00We will have UCI Physics alumni in industry come interact with you all. This is your chance to use the knowledge gained from the previous meetings to build connections and learn from their experiences.
Week 8:
Counter Space
See the description above, Join the Discord for updates!
Week 9: DestressWe will have an end-of-quarter de-stress event. We may hold a joint event with another club.
Week 10:
Counter Space
See the description above, Join the Discord for updates!
Week 10: Lunch with Nobel Laureate (Time TBA) We will have the exciting opportunity to have lunch and a Q/A session with a Nobel Prize winner! SPS members get priority registration.

Quarter: Fall 2023

EventDescription
Week 1: Intro MeetingAll physics majors are welcome, the more the merrier! Want to meet potential classmates & other aspiring physicists? Come & mingle! FREE PIZZA!!!
Week 2:
Counter Space
See the description above!
Week 2: Nuclear Reactor TourOn Thursday 10/12 from 1:00-2:00. Limited to 30 students. More specific details to come in newsletter email!
Week 3:
Board Game Night
We start with a talk from Ryan about the reality of being a physics major. Then we’ll play some board games!
Week 4:
Counter Space
See the description above!
Week 5: Midterm Review + De-stressReview for Lower Division Physics and Physics 111A, 115A. We will have some de-stressing activities available.
Week 6:
Counter Space
See the description above!
Week 7:
Grad School Panel
We will have a group of graduate students willing to  experiences about grad school applications and grad school life.
Week 8:
Counter Space
See the description above!
Week 9:
Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Social
We will make liquid nitrogen ice cream. Come to eat some good ice cream and talk with others!
Week 10:
Counter Space
See the description above!

SPS Calendar

Here is a calendar for our upcoming events during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Seminars & Colloquium

UCI’s Physics & Astronomy Department hosts weekly seminars & colloquium where guest speakers come and talk about their research. It’s a great way to stay updated on what’s going on in the physics research community. We usually announce the seminars in our weekly emails. If you would like to see which ones are coming up, click HERE.