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Structured Interdisciplinary Research Experiences in Mathematics and Biology

Structured Interdisciplinary Research Experiences in Mathematics and Biology. Glenn Ledder Department of Mathematics University of Nebraska-Lincoln gledder@math.unl.edu http://www.math.unl.edu/~RUTE. Biology and Math Majors:

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Structured Interdisciplinary Research Experiences in Mathematics and Biology

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  1. Structured Interdisciplinary Research Experiences in Mathematics and Biology Glenn Ledder Department of Mathematics University of Nebraska-Lincoln gledder@math.unl.edu http://www.math.unl.edu/~RUTE

  2. Biology and Math Majors: Are you looking for an undergraduate experience that will make you stand out from the crowd of graduate school and job applicants? Do you like to get your hands muddy? Are you interested in catching turtles? Weighing them? Learning all there is to know about them? Do you wonder why some ponds have lots of turtles and others have few? Why the turtles in one pond bigger than those in another?

  3. Apply for the RUTE1Scholars program for • a long-term structured introduction to interdisciplinary research in biology and mathematics • an all-expenses-paid 10-week trip to Cedar Point Biological Station • a generous summer stipend 1Research for Undergraduates in Theoretical Ecology

  4. Research in Mathematics • Original – can’t find the answer with Google • Open-ended – not clear where to start / where to go • Abstract – function properties, not formulas • General – all cases considered • Thorough – no loose ends • Important – judged publishable by the math community

  5. Undergraduate Research • Original – can’t find the answer with Google • Open-ended – not clear where to start / where to go • somewhat Abstract • somewhat General • Give up Thorough and Important

  6. Requirements for Success • Assume enthusiasm, energy, ability Students also need • Preparation: deep background knowledge • Maturity: ability to cope with confusion • More direction than grad students • Ownership: personal connection to problem • As much independence as is practical • Commitment: enough time for the job

  7. Preparation • ProspectiveRUTE Math students take • Genetics • Ecology and Evolution • ProspectiveRUTE Biology students take • Calculus I (for biology and medicine) • Math Methods for Biology and Medicine • dynamical systems and probability • Neither the biology nor the mathematics are likely to be sophisticated.

  8. The RUTE Scholars Program University of Nebraska-Lincoln • Maturity • 4 students: 2 biology and 2 math • ≥ 2 mentors: 1 biology and 1 math • Ownership • Preliminary theoretical work • Student-directed project design • Commitment • 3 semesters, 7 credits • 10-week summer program (3 credits)

  9. 1. Focused preparation • 2-credit reading course in spring semester • Topics: • biological theory of research area • mathematical background for research area • field methods • experiment design • Format: • students work together • students help choose topics and find sources • guest lectures as needed • students do papers and talks

  10. 2. Summer field experience • 10 weeks in residence at Cedar Point Biological Station • full-time graduate student support • 2 weeks with biology faculty mentor • 1 week visit by math faculty mentor

  11. 3. Data analysis and modeling • 3-credit independent study in fall semester • data analysis • mathematical modeling • Students may work alone, in small groups, or all together • Close mentoring relationship with math mentor

  12. 4. Presentation • 2-credit independent study in spring semester • prepare a research poster • prepare a conference talk • prepare a paper for a professional or undergraduate journal

  13. Ancillary Programs • Research groups are expected to present preliminary results as a poster at the annual meeting of an interdepartmental Ecology and Evolution society. • Funds are available for students to present work at JMM or the Ecological Society of America.

  14. Transition Program • There is also a RUTE Summer Scholars program. • Research Skills in Theoretical Ecology course • Team-taught by a biologist and a mathematician • Minimal background required • Brief 4-phase experience: focused preparation, laboratory research, data analysis and modeling, poster preparation • Room and board plus stipend

  15. RUTE Summer Scholars program • Non-UNL students may participate, especially students between 2-year and B.S. programs. • http://www.math.unl.edu/~RUTE

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