Emerging Scholars Program - Research Experience for Undergraduates

(ESP-REU)

June 17 - July 26, 2013

 

We are seeking bright, eager rising sophomores and juniors who have completed at least two semesters of Calculus - but have not taken any upper-level mathematics courses (i.e. Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Topology, etc.) to join us at SMCM for a six week research experience in mathematics!

 

[Hey Math Profs - if you have students who might be interested, print out our brochure and give them a copy! (New version for 2013 coming soon.)]

 

ESP-REU Highlights:

study with expert mathematicians collaborate with other students interested in math work on unsolved problems prove new theorems enjoy SMCM’s idyllic setting on the shores of the St. Mary’s River take weekend trips to Washington, DC and Baltimore

Research Topics:

The 12 REU participants will each join one of the three research teams, looking into a mathematical question that nobody knows the answer to!

Discrete Dynamics (with Dr. Susan Goldstine) - Cellular automata produce startlingly complex patterns by iterating a few very simple rules.  Traditionally, these cellular automata run in an infinite world, or at least a very large one, but what if we add constraints to make our world much, much smaller?  What new structures will emerge?
	Graph Theory (with Dr. Alan Jamieson) - You can dominate a graph with a set of vertices if every vertex in the graph is at most one edge away from a vertex in your set. How can you determine the smallest dominating set? What algorithms might help you arrive at an answer? How do you know these algorithms will stabilize, giving you an answer? Self-stabilizing algorithms for the domination problem and other related graph theoretic properties provide fertile ground for a summer research project.
Knot Theory (with Dr. Sandy Ganzell) - Knots are familiar objects. But in this research project we will move quickly from the familiar to the abstract, all the way to the forbidden. And we'll work out all our knots along the way.

 

Stipend:

Participants will receive a $3500 stipend for participation in the ESP-REU, in addition to room and board for the six weeks. Some funds to cover travel expenses will be available.

Applicant Requirements:

• success in Calculus I & II
• no experience in upper-level mathematics courses (e.g. Analysis, Abstract Algebra, or Topology)
• full-time undergraduate the following Fall
• US citizen or permanent resident (this is an inflexible NSF requirement)
• students from groups who are under-represented in mathematics are particularly encouraged to apply
• alums of Treisman-style workshops (called Emerging Scholars Programs, Merit Scholars, Professional Development Programs, Math Excel, etc.) are particularly encouraged to apply

Application Instructions:

To apply to this year's ESP-REU program, please do the following by March 1:

• be sure you qualify for our program (see above). Please note that this includes
  
  • no upper-level coursework in mathematics (e.g. Analysis, Algebra or Topology)
  • US Citizen or Permanent Resident
• write a one-page essay (up to 500 words) that addresses why you enjoy mathematics. Include any additional information you deem relevant to your REU application. Obtain an electronic copy of your transcript (an official one will be required if you are accepted into the program.) Email the essay & transcript to us at reu@smcm.edu with the subject line "REU Essay".
• solicit two professors/TAs/mentors to write letters on your behalf and have their email addresses handy when you ....
• fill out the online ESP-REU application
• have the two professors/TAs/mentors email their letters to us at reu@smcm.edu with the subject line "REU letter for [your first & last name]"

 

Supported by the National Science Foundation (Grant: DMS-1005046)