Summer Mathematics Research Opportunity for Minority Undergraduates

How would you like to spend six weeks of your summer engaged in challenging intellectual work, present your original research results at a conference, enhance your resume, gain insight into how one does mathematical research, and receive a $3000 stipend plus housing and a food stipend in the bargain?

Dates:  June 29 through July August 9, 2008, and a conference presentation on a Saturday in the fall
Location:  CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI), Camarillo, CA.
Topic:  Graph Labeling
Student stipend:  $3000, plus housing and a food stipend ($75 per week)

Faculty Mentors:  Drs. Cynthia J. Wyels and Maggy Tomova

expectations

What's research?

schedule of activities

to apply

faculty mentors

contact

Expectations of Students

Making significant progress in mathematical research during a six-week period will require focus and dedication. To benefit fully from this opportunity, students need to fully immerse themselves in the project. Accordingly, the following expectations are held:

• Students will be present in the Mathematics Center at CSUCI working on research full-time (approximately eight hours) each weekday of the program.  Exceptions must be approved in advance.
• Students will bring to the program all their skills in working with a team, their enthusiasm for learning, and their patience, perseverance, and good humor.
• SUMMA (Strengthening Undergraduate Minority Mathematics Achievement) is providing a significant stipend ($3000) to offset students’ usual summer earnings. Students are expected to work hard on their mathematical research during the day and to relax and rejuvenate during the evenings and weekends, and consequently, to forgo other employment during these six weeks.
• Students will present their results formally at a conference during the fall semester.  Dates and details will be discussed during the program. Students may also have optional additional opportunities to present their work at other conferences.

What’s research?

"Working on research" may include reading mathematical literature, discussing the topic with fellow undergraduate researchers and the faculty mentor, playing with examples, constructing proofs, writing computer code to generate or explore examples, etc.  It's impossible to overemphasize the importance of “playing around!”  Each person who does research develops his/ her own style, but you can expect a mixture of collaboration and personal work. Mathematical research – like anything worthwhile – is difficult, but the exhilaration that comes from figuring out something that initially frustrated you is worth it! The community aspect is important: talking your problem and ideas over will give you insights and get you past roadblocks. Plus, collaboration makes research more fun!

To apply

You are eligible to apply if a) you are an undergraduate who will not graduate before August, 2008, and b) you are a member of one of these groups underrepresented in the mathematical sciences: African Americans, Latino Americans, American Indians, and Native Pacific Islanders. (Note: if you do not meet requirement b) but would like to pursue mathematical research during the summer, do not be discouraged! There are other options.)

• Step 1:  download the application form, complete it, and return it via e-mail. Priority deadline: March 28, 2008.
• Step 2:  if you are a finalist for acceptance to the program, you will be asked to provide a letter of recommendation by a faculty member. 

Who are the faculty mentors?

Dr. Cynthia Wyels, Associate Professor of Mathematics at CSU Channel Islands, has focused her professional career to date on teaching and mentoring undergraduates. She has worked with undergraduates on mathematical research since 1995, her first year in academia. More than 40 of her students have presented posters or given talks at mathematical conferences, and some won scholarships and other in recognition of their research projects.

Dr. Maggy Tomova is currently an Evans Instructor at Rice University. She has worked with the CLU/ CSUCI REUs since their inception, serving as Co-Director since 2006. She earned a Ph.D. from UCSB under the direction of Martin Scharlemann in 2005, and has published several papers in topology. In addition to mentoring many undergraduates on short-term and long-term research projects, she is well known for her enthusiasm: “Let’s play math!”

Questions? Email Dr. Wyels:  cindy.wyels@csuci.edu or call (805) 437-3260.

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Page last updated:  February 20, 2008.