Undergraduate Experiences in Cutting-edge Research Experiments

A collaboration of 10 institutions, including a large number of undergraduate schools, proposed, constructed, and now conducts experiments with a highly efficient large-area neutron detector located at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. The Modular Neutron Array (MoNA) is designed to detect high-energy neutrons in experiments that explore the neutron dripline using rare isotope beams. The MoNA collaboration serves as a model for involving undergraduates from small colleges and universities in large-scale experimental nuclear physics research at a national user facility. The experiences and accomplishments of the undergraduates in this ``Mongol Horde'' will be presented by two of the student participants.