My Summer at the Grand Valley State Mathematics REU Program

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My Summer at the Grand Valley State Mathematics
REU Program

• Presented by Rusty From
• 9/19/05

Rusty From at the GVSU Pew Grand Rapids Campus
for the 2005 Michigan REU Conference
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GVSU REU

• Imagine spending a summer in a beautiful, quiet,
  rural setting in which the days are mild, it
  stays light until well after 10 p.m., and where
  you are 15 minutes from a major metropolitan
  center (Grand Rapids, MI) and also only 20
  minutes from gorgeous Lake Michigan beaches. Now
  imagine that, in this fantastic place, you get to
  spend your time engaged in honest mathematical
  research.

A cloudy day at Saugatuck Dunes State Park

• Quote provided by http//www.gvsu.edu/mathreu/

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What is an REU?

• Research
• Experience for
• Undergraduates
• 6-9 weeks during the summer
• Programs offered in all the Natural Sciences,
  Math and CS
• 30 programs nationwide in mathematics
• 8 to 20 participants at each program

The 2005 Grand Valley State University REU group
at the Michigan REU Conference
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Responsibilities of REU fellows

• Conduct original research into an open-ended,
  relevant topic in mathematics with the intent of
  
• Developing a technical report chronicling results
  and findings
• Presenting research at least twice in front of
  professionals at math conferences
• Developing an article suitable for publication in
  an undergraduate journal

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Things to Expect

• Develop a better understanding of mathematics
  research
• Learn a lot of new mathematics
• Discover something new
• Learn about grad school opportunities
• Grow as a mathematician
• A rewarding experience
• Have Fun

Rusty running up a sand dune at Saugatuck State
Park
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Other Benefits

• Meet new friends
• Opportunities to travel
• Honors Project

• Financial
• Stipend (2200-3000, plus travel expenses)
• Free room and board
• Helps prepare you for graduate school or
  professional life

Dr. Paul Fishback makes a new friend at the John
Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids
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A Typical Week at the GVSU REU

• Monday Breakfast and Entertainment provided by
  a faculty member
• Tuesday and Thursday Group Presentation (30
  min)
• Wednesday Group Fun

• Friday
• Guest Lecture followed by lunch
• Weekly report due
• About 6 hours of research each day followed by
  about 2 hours with faculty supervisor

My Research Team Samuel Kolins (Bowdoin College)
Dr. Matt Boelkins (GVSU)
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Group Fun and Special Events
Group Fun in the rain at Strikers Mini-Golf
Lunch with U. of Michigan Grad Students
Dr. Paul Fishback emu-lating the animals at
the John Ball Zoo
Group Fun at a Michigan Whitecaps baseball game
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Interested?

• Talk to your adviser (or e-mail me at
  fromj1_at_central.edu)
• Go to the NSF-REU website to look for programs
• http//www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.cfm?un
  itid5044
• Things to look for in an REU-site
• Faculty - Do they seem friendly and interested in
  working with students?
• Topic of Research - Are they in fields of math
  that interest you?
• History - Is this a well established program?
• Grant - Has their grant been renewed?
• Past Participants - What schools are they from?
  Did they report having a good experience?

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How to Apply

• Apply to 5 or more sites that you think you would
  enjoy and also suit your interests and abilities
• Things youll need
• Statement of Interest (very important)
• Show them you are down-to-earth and they would
  enjoy working with you
• Two letters of recommendation
• From math faculty members
• Unofficial copy of your transcript
• Available through the registrars office
• On-line application
• Application due dates range from the end of
  January to the middle of March

South Haven City Beach
da Vincis Horse at the Fredrik Meijer Sculpture
Gardens