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Workshop on Mathematics Undergraduate Research Experiences

Workshop on Mathematics Undergraduate Research Experiences. UC Irvine Anteaters Mathematics Club January 27 th , 2010. Outline. Campus research opportunities Off campus summer research opportunities Semester programs: domestic and abroad How to find faculty mentors at UCI

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Workshop on Mathematics Undergraduate Research Experiences

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  1. Workshop on Mathematics Undergraduate Research Experiences UC Irvine Anteaters Mathematics Club January 27th, 2010

  2. Outline • Campus research opportunities • Off campus summer research opportunities • Semester programs: domestic and abroad • How to find faculty mentors at UCI • How to apply for external programs • Panel of UCI math students with undergraduate research experience

  3. Campus Research Opportunities • UROP and SURP • http://www.urop.uci.edu/ • UROP every Fall and Spring, SURP every Summer • Submit proposal for specific research project under faculty supervision and support • 199 • Course credit for reading course or research work • Register with particular faculty member • Faculty Grants • Some faculty occasionally have personal grants to support undergraduate student research • ICAMP – Interdisciplinary Computational Applied Math Program • Starts Fall 2010 • For Freshman and Sophomores only • Register for Math / ICS 77 any quarter

  4. Off Campus Summer Research Opportunities • www.maa.org/students/undergrad/ • www.ams.org/employment/undergrad.html • http://www.ams.org/employment/reu.html • Approx. 4 week programs focused on a single research topic under faculty guidance with small group of great students • There exist some programs only for learning and preparation for graduate school • Most pay travel, room and board plus a student stipend.

  5. Semester Programs: Domestic and Abroad • Budapest Semesters in Mathematics • Math in Moscow • MASS at Penn State • Junior Year for Women at Smith College

  6. How to Find Faculty Mentors at UCI • Look at faculty research interests • Take appropriate courses first • Go to Undergrad Colloquium talks • Read math outside of class • Identify your area of research interests • Write letter/email to faculty • Describe yourself- grades, coursework, goals, etc. • Show you know something about their research area • Explain what extent of research you desire • Show your motivation, work ethic, independence, etc. • For reading courses, explain why you are interested in that topic and how it will fit with your future goals • Remember you are asking for a giant favor

  7. How to Apply For External Programs • Carefully look at program descriptions • Follow all application instructions • Ask for letters of recommendation at least two weeks in advance • Write personal statement • Tailor it to the particular program • Explain your interest in topic and preparation for it • Emphasize your unique math experiences • Deadlines around mid-February

  8. Final Thoughts on Eligibility • Most research opportunities are highly competitive and intended for the advanced math student going to graduate school • Appropriate preparation is essential for a successful research experience • Summer REU’s are mostly for students finishing their junior year (maybe sophomore) • Math 199 course is mainly for seniors in honor’s program or considering grad school • Some faculty just don’t work with undergrads, don’t take it personally!

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