UCR Math Club: REUs

1. UCR Math Club: REUs A Quick Guide to Summer Research Presented by: Scott Manifold

2. Questions to Address • What summer opportunities are out there? • Why should I care? • How do I apply?

3. Summer Activities • Hang out, vacation, relax, live it up until next school year. • Work • Summer School • Summer Research • Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) • Internships and Similar Programs • On-Campus Research

4. REUs • Summer Research Programs funded the NSF • Located at Universities and Research Institutes around the United States. • Last 6-10 weeks • Meant to introduce students (like you!) to research and show them a snapshot of graduate school. • Programs in almost all the sciences (Physics, Biology, Math, etc.) • Within math there a huge selection of different research areas, e.g. Logic, Combinatorics, Dynamical Systems, Fractal Geometry, Biostatistics, etc.

5. Similar Programs • There are range of different research oriented summer programs out there. • Corporate Internships • National Laboratories (DoD, DoE, DoC) • NASA • Government Agencies (NSA) • These types of programs are generally less academic • More variability in eligibility, deadlines, pay, etc.

6. On-Campus Research • Besides going to a different campus or location to do research, there are opportunities to do research at UCR • Can get into undergraduate research anytime during the year • Excellent way to build resume, get letters of recommendation • Programs such as Dean’s Summer Internship, Chancellor’s Research Fellowship • http://www.ucr.edu/research/undergrads.html • Look up professor research interests • Email professors expressing interest and ask about getting involved in research • Be dedicated, don’t flake!

7. Why?: Benefits I • These summer programs can pay: • Pay between $5000 - $8000, assistance in finding housing/roommates. • Pay between $3000-$4500, Travel Costs Reimbursed, Housing Provided (or Reimbursed) • A mixture of the above. • A chance to travel! • Programs in almost every state, some near cities, some near great outdoor locations • Network and make friends • Meet other undergraduates who are passionate about math • Build connections with researchers at other institutions

8. Why?: Benefits II • Become an expert at something • Spend your summer gaining new skills and learning new things • Chances to publish your results, go to conferences later on • Oftentimes, the research program will help pay for conference expense down the road. • Looks great on Resume/CV • Decide if research is right for you. • It’s fun!

9. How to find programs • Several websites with lists of information: • AMS: http://www.ams.org/programs/students/undergrad/emp-reu • SIAM: http://connect.siam.org/summer-2014-research-opportunities-for-undergraduates/ • NSF: http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.jsp?unitid=5044 • Check websites of companies, labs, major organizations. • Talk to grad students, professors, academic advisors • Just google it!

10. Other Information • While fewer in number, there also exist summer research programs outside the US. (Summer in Italy, anyone?) • There are also programs which are open to a variety of disciplines, not just math. • Some summer research programs are used to recruiting tools for universities. • Deadlines can vary heavily, from mid November to mid April.

11. Tips • It’s important to start looking early! • Applications are free so apply to many programs • If you’re not sure you’re eligible for a program, don’t hesitate to email someone and ask. • Knowing people helps. • Sometimes connections professors have or connections you have gained from going to conferences can help you land a spot in a program. • Be organized and courteous

12. Best of Luck Questions?