Undergraduate Program »
REU program in Mathematics
Program Description
The program emphasizes close relationships with faculty advisors: students typically will work one-on-one with faculty, or, in a few cases, students may work in pairs on closely related projects. For this reason, we try to match each student with an appropriate project and advisor during the admissions process. Thus faculty advisors are able to send suggestions for background reading prior to the start of the program.
The program unofficially begins with a reception hosted by the mathematics department. This provides an opportunity for students to meet other students as well as their faculty mentors.
During the following eight weeks, students meet privately with their faculty advisors several times per week. During the first few weeks the student will work to further understand the details of the project. During the middle weeks, the student will be working full-time on the project. During the last two weeks, the student will be preparing both a written and oral report on his or her results. All along the way, the faculty mentor will be providing assistance and encouragement.
During the first week of the program, the students will be given an orientation of the Swain Hall Library, the library that houses an extensive collection of mathematics books and journals. Students will also be given a tour of available computer faciilities.
Students are given a dedicated seminar room in which to study and socialize. At least once a week, faculty will give accessible lectures on topics of current research interest in mathematics. A graduate student will provide an introduction to the LaTeX typesetting system and serve as a consultant for preparation of the written report.
During the last week each student will give a lecture on his or her own work. Each student is also required to prepare a written report. These reports are bound together into a single volume that will duplicated and distributed to students and faculty mentors. Students are also encouraged to submit their research paper for publication although there is no requirement to do so.
Certainly one of the most important aspects of the program is student-to-student interaction. For some this may be their first opportunity to get to know other students with comparable mathematical interest and ability. We encourage this interaction in a number of ways. In particular, students live together in a single dormitory on campus. There are several organized social events. Each group usually develops its own unique character, often organizing some of its own activities.
