About the Labs
Since its very first class in 1985, student research has played an essential role in learning at TJ. Thomas Jefferson diploma graduation requirements include the completion of an original engineering or experimental research project in an on-campus laboratory or offsite at a mentorship in a government, corporate or academic research laboratory. The Partnership Fund helps TJ's labs by:
- Assuring availability of, and student access to, state of the art equipment and materials;
- Broadening student opportunities for “real-world” interface with industry;
- Exposing students to new and emerging technologies;
- Enriching classroom and laboratory instruction, and expanding mentorship opportunities; and
- Advancing the ongoing evolution of “best practices” in mathematics, science and technology curriculum, and Jefferson’s dedication to developing, evaluating and sharing innovative ideas regionally, nationally and internationally.
Thomas Jefferson offers academic research opportunities in thirteen Science and Technology Research Laboratories:
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Students are involved in projects related to planetary geology, deep space image processing, and analyses of astronomical databases and telescopic observations. Other projects analyze data provided by astronomers who are researching light curves of variable stars, spectroscopic analyses, and planetary atmospherics and geology.Automation and Robotics
Students apply engineering concepts to the design and production of automated systems and investigate the building blocks of robotic systems including sensors, analyzers, actuators, and drivers.Biotechnology and Life Sciences
Students experience activities in bacterial transformation, protein purification, antigen-antibody interaction, gene expression, and DNA sequencing. Research projects involve leading-edge technologies including assay techniques, RTPCR, Western blotting, electrophoresis, and mammalian tissue culture.Chemical Analysis
The Chemical Analysis Laboratory integrates inorganic and organic synthesis and characterization, kinetics, thermodynamics, chemical nanotechnology, and utilization of instrumentation. Such experiences are valuable for students interested in pursuing careers in the natural and physical sciences or medicine.Communication Systems
Students explore the intersection of technology and communication by reviewing digital and analog systems, methods of data transfer and data compression, and transmission.Computer Aided Design
Students explore a variety of aspects of technological design, from assembly of a complicated mechanism to the simulation of a heart pumping. Top of the line commercial software for design, engineering and architecture, like Autodesk suite, engages the imagination of the student scientist/engineer.Computer Systems
The Computer Systems Laboratory supports studies in theoretical and applied computational science, computer modeling, computer architecture, artificial intelligence, Internet programming, machine learning, natural language processing and supercomputing. It emphasizes a multilingual computer language community.Energy Systems
Students pursue projects in a wide range of engineering disciplines, such as alternative fuels, fluid dynamics, direct and indirect energy conversion, and electrical and mechanical systems.Microelectronics
The Microelectronics Lab has a dual focus of providing basic courses in electronics technology for all students and R&D opportunities for advanced students.Neuroscience
This lab currently focuses on three general areas of neuroscience research: neurorobotics, electrophysiology, and neuroinformatics. Student investigations include the examination of nerve activity regeneration in medicinal leech, the analysis of the neural basis of behavior in crayfish and cockroaches, the analysis of memory mechanisms in sea slugs, the computational analysis of fMRI and EEG data, and neurorobotics.Oceanography and Geophysical Systems
Students pursue exciting new areas of research in bioluminescence, neurobiology, evolution, population studies, genetics, aquaculture, biogeography, physical oceanography, and ocean engineering.Optics and Modern Physics
Students have opportunities to develop new devices or improve existing devices related to optical, electromagnetic,acoustical, and nanometer scale systems. Current initiatives include work in meta-materials, phased acoustic arrays, and emerging applications of quantum entanglement.
Prototyping and Engineering Materials
Students utilize problem solving skills and engineering concepts in the design, fabrication, and management of real-world projects. Projects are tailored to student interests and may range from structural design and analysis to mechanical system development.