Posting Details
Student Title Classification Information
Quick Link https://chapman.peopleadmin.com/postings/41380
Job Number SE244624
Position Information
Department or Unit Name Fowler School of Engineering
Position Headcount 1
Position Title Student Research Assistant
Academic Year Academic Year 2026-2027
Term or Semester All Academic Year
Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad
Anticipated Pay Range $18.00 - $18.00
Pay Range Information Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
On which Campus will this work be done? Orange
Approved Supervisor Mark Harrison
Supervisor Email mharrison@chapman.edu
Scheduling Please use dates within Chapman Academic Calendar
(https://www.chapman.edu/academics/academic-calendar.aspx)
Desired Start Date 11/09/2026
Projected End Date 05/23/2027
Average number of hours per week Up to 19 Hrs
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary The overall goal of the research project is to develop a fiber-optic stress sensor into a more compact, more useful device. This will be accomplished by miniaturizing elements of the device by designing a photonic integrated circuit and accompanying circuit board. Later, the device will be developed for parallel measurements, which will entail redesigning a test fixture. Throughout these developments, the device will be used to measure compressive stress-strain curves for visco-elastic materials. This project will allow students to learn about optics and photonics while applying circuit design and some mechanical engineering to a novel system. Broad areas that this research explores include electromagnetic physics, materials science, and electrical engineering. This device will hopefully be used for medical applications and testing diseased tissue for better diagnosis and prognosis.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities Include:
- Setting up and operating a fiber-optic stress sensor, which includes working with optical fiber and lasers.
- Integrating photonic integrated circuit components into the overall design of the stress sensor.
- Writing and maintaining software for controlling components of the stress sensor, collecting data, and displaying the results.
- Analyzing experimental data and iterating on experiments based on the results.
- Design and manufacture testing fixtures that enable reliable compression of samples.
- Weekly 1-on-1 meetings with Dr. Harrison to discuss the state of your project and next steps.
- Participating in weekly lab group meetings to discuss relevant scientific topics, including occasional presentations.
Required Qualifications
- Current Chapman undergraduate student.
- Able and willing to commit 10-20 hours per week during the summer (hours are flexible).
- Able to manage tasks and work independently.
- Organized, responsible, and able to keep deadlines.
- Curious and willing to learn more about the field of optics and photonics.
- Interested in learning more about the process of scientific research.
Desired Qualifications
- Student in Engineering or Physics discipline
- Able to commit to at least 1 year of working in the lab
- Student who is interested in applying to graduate school of engineering or physics.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Budget Information
Is Federal work-study required? With or Without FWS
Pre-screening Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).