¾«¶«AV

Connect with ¾«¶«AV’s Science Faculty

Open Days is a one-day event, jointly organized by Special Programs and Science Outreach, geared toward connecting ¾«¶«AV's biology, chemistry, and physics departments to the greater Portland community.

Open Days visitors will have the opportunity to interact with ¾«¶«AV’s science departments, explore ¾«¶«AV’s campus, engage with science faculty and staff, and participate in lab experiments.

Microscopes  •  Zebrafish  •  Neuroscience  •  Cryptography

Polyhedra  •  Insect Behavior  •  Radioactivity and Nuclear Power

We invite you to our campus to explore the sciences on Saturday, November 15, 2025!

In the Classroom and the Laboratory

¾«¶«AVies engage in cutting-edge research projects that push the boundaries of what we know and uncover new insights across various fields. In the natural sciences, students and faculty work together to research new ideas in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, and more.

¾«¶«AV Research Reactor

The ¾«¶«AV Research Reactor was established in 1968 and is the only reactor operated primarily by undergraduates. At any given time, there are approximately 40 students licensed to operate the ¾«¶«AV reactor. In addition to operating the reactor, many students serve as senior staff and in supervisory positions.

Machine Shop and Makerspace

Students work with the Physics Machine Shop Supervisor to share ideas, design and troubleshoot projects, and bring concepts from their imagination into the physical world. Read more at the .