Contact: Kasia Haupt
For the second consecutive year, Mississippi State is giving eight undergraduate students an opportunity to participate in active research in applied mathematics.
Participants from as far away as Rhode Island and California are among the group selected from 75 applicants to be part of the university's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU). Led by mathematics and statistics department faculty members Tuncay Aktosun and Ratnasingham Shivaji, they will be examining population dynamics and wave propagation in non-homogeneous media.
Aktosun said the program, which begins June 9 and concludes Aug. 7, "encourages students to pursue advanced degrees in mathematical sciences by showing them how enjoyable and fulfilling research can be. It also aims to increase research participation in mathematical sciences by women and underrepresented groups."
Funded by a $193,000 National Science Foundation grant through 2005, REU provides each scholar with campus housing and a $3,200 stipend, as well as meal and travel allowances. Additional funding for the program is provided by the mathematics and statistics department, Office of the Provost and Vice President for Research, and College of Arts and Sciences.
Shivaji, Giles Distinguished Professor of Mathematics at MSU, said the research program "involves eight undergraduates in active research under the supervision of mathematicians who are dedicated researchers and mentors."
Upon completing their work, the students will give a public presentation of their findings. "The research is expected to be meaningful and should contribute to the scientific field," Aktosun said.
In addition to gaining a better understanding of applied mathematics, the students will enhance their knowledge of research collaboration and publishing, grant writing, and scientific interactions with peers. This year's program also includes a variety of social activities, some of which will jointly be held with students enrolled in a similar research program of the biological sciences department.
The 2004 REU participants include:
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--Anna Little of Samford University.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--Austin Ford of Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
JACKSON, Miss.--Tammy Ladner of Millsaps College.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.--Dan Wolf of Augsburg College.
OAKLAND, Calif.--Anastasia Wong of Mills College.
PITTSBURGH, Penn.--Ken Marks of Millersville University.
PROVIDENCE, R.I.--Libby Day of Brown University.
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Amber Russell of MSU.