Contact: Phil Hearn
The migration of bluefin tuna is among research topics being examined at Mississippi State this summer by a group of undergraduate students who are considering advanced studies in applied mathematics.
With a major grant of more than $190,000 from the National Science Foundation, the department of mathematics and statistics' first summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates program is attracting nine students from universities and colleges in eight states. The represented institutions stretch from Massachusetts to Texas.
Sixty-five students from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico applied for the highly selective program that began on campus June 9 and concludes Aug. 8. Each participant is receiving a $3,200 stipend, plus housing, dining and travel benefits.
MSU's Office of the Provost and College of Arts and Sciences are joining with the department to support this first in a planned series designed to increase advanced research participation in the mathematical sciences by women and other under-represented groups. Subsequent two-month programs are scheduled for the summers of 2004 and 2006.
REU participants will be involved in active scientific investigations under the supervision of MSU mathematicians, who will help them develop an appreciation for the rewards of scientific research while encouraging a desire to pursue the necessary graduate degrees. They conclude the experience by preparing written reports and making oral presentations of their work, which is enhanced with various scientific, cultural and social activities.
The primary research concentration in applied mathematics will emphasize the areas of population dynamics and wave propagation in nonhomogeneous media. The wave propagation project will involve construction of a mathematical model.
Formally titled "Harvesting in Diffusive Population Models," the population dynamics research involves mathematical manipulations of data on the migratory abilities of the Atlantic bluefin tuna, which has breeding grounds in the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea. Despite a history of harvesting and exploitation spanning hundreds of years, experts say little is known about the spatial dynamics of bluefin tuna movements.
The 2003 REU participants and schools they represent include (by institution location):
BLACKSBURG, Va.--Lisa McFerrin of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University;
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.--Mike Borkowski of Simon's Rock College of Bard;
HAWKINS, Texas--Carmen Henderson of Jarvis Christian College;
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--Alyssa Cramer of the University of Louisville;
MURRAY, Ky.--Matt Gilliland of Murray State University;
NATCHITOCHES, La.--Shelley Koone of Northwestern State University;
SHAWNEE, Okla.--Adam Collins of Oklahoma Baptist University;
STARKVILLE--Lance Pittman of Mississippi State; and
TERRE HAUTE, Ind.--Kellan Wampler of the Rose Hulman Institute of Technology.