Student Opportunities

There are plenty of programs, often in the summer, to guide students through the process of doing original research in math.  Career panels and other events of interest also take place from time to time.  Below are some we’ve found; you can find others by Googling.  In addition, several programs provide mentoring or other support for advanced studies in mathematics.

Below, you'll find info under the headings of STUDENT RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES; SCHOLARSHIPS; POSTBACCALAUREATE PROGRAMS; and CAREER PANELS, INTERNSHIPS, ETC.

STUDENT RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

  • REUs: See < https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.jsp?unitid=5044 > and < https://sites.google.com/view/mathreu > and < http://www.ams.org/opportunities >.  (For that last one, click the box to filter by Research Experience for Undergraduates.)  Many of these summer research programs go by the name Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). Visit the link above for a listing of these programs. There are often over one hundred REU programs at universities throughout the United States. The National Science Foundation, which funds REU sites, describes a typical REU experience as follows. “An REU site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel.” Application deadlines for REUs usually occur in February or March.
  • SURF at CalTech: https://sfp.caltech.edu/undergraduate-research/programs/surf  Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships program
  • WAVE at CalTech: https://sfp.caltech.edu/undergraduate-research/programs/wavefellows  The WAVE Fellows program provides support for talented undergraduates intent on pursuing a Ph.D. to conduct a 10-week summer research project at Caltech.  The WAVE Fellows program aims to foster diversity by increasing the participation of underrepresented students in science and engineering Ph.D. programs and to make Caltech's programs more visible and accessible to students not traditionally exposed to Caltech. The program is extended, but not limited, to underrepresented minorities, women, first-generation college students, geographically underrepresented students, educationally and financially disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities.
  • Polymath Jr.: https://geometrynyc.wixsite.com/polymathreu  "Collaborative mathematical research for undergraduate students"
  • CUBE: Collaborative Undergraduate Biostatistics Experience.  "The Collaborative Undergraduate Biostatistics Experience (CUBE) is an 8-week training program designed to give motivated, underrepresented minority undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in a full-time (~40 hours/week) collaborative data science experience, along with related professional development activities."
  • Summer Research Early Identification Program: "The SR-EIP offers closely mentored research experiences in the life and physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and the humanities at 20 research institutions across the country. SR-EIP Participants...

  • - Spend 8–10 weeks at a Leadership Alliance institution.
    - Receive a stipend, and travel and housing expenses from the research institution.
    - Work under the guidance of a faculty or research mentor.
    - Gain theoretical knowledge and practical training in academic research and scientific experimentation.
    - Make oral or poster presentations at the Leadership Alliance National Symposium.
    - Gain access to ongoing resources, mentoring, and professional networks to support your career path as a part of the Leadership Alliance community.
    - Receive professional development mentoring on applying to graduate programs and learn about research careers from alumni."

  • Summer Institute in Biostatistics (SIBS) Programs.  Here is info about this program at Columbia. Here is info about this program at Michigan.  Here is info about this program at Boston University.
  • National Conference on Undergraduate Research: "The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity in all fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students. Unlike meetings of academic professional organizations, this gathering of student scholars welcomes presenters from all institutions of higher learning and from all disciplines."

SCHOLARSHIPS

  • Cal-Bridge: "seeks to increase the numbers of underrepresented students to pursue graduate studies . . . Cal-Bridge students are matched with two mentors - one at their home CSU and one at a UC campus. They are mentored through the remainder of their time as an undergraduate and, if they go to graduate school, will receive up to two years of funding."  See here for info about their scholarship program for "up to $15,000 per academic year for CSU students majoring in Mathematics and Statistics while graduating in the 2024–25 academic year."
  • Cal State LA U-Rise program: "The U-RISE program seeks underrepresented undergraduate students majoring in a field related to the biomedical sciences such as Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Kinesiology, Nutritional and Food Sciences, Psychology, Nutritional Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering...The eligible student is from a group traditionally under-represented in the health-related sciences and the ideal candidate is a sophomore with two to three years to graduation (though as we establish this program on campus, students with less time to graduation are also eligible). You should have completed the first semester of your major specific introductory science course (such as BIOL 1100 and CHEM 1100) with a grade of at least B- and have developed a strong interest in the research aspects of biomedical sciences. All applicants must be either a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident...RISE students receive up to 60% of their tuition and an annual stipend of up to $13,644, depending on their Cal State LA financial package. They also will receive up to $3,500 towards their off-campus summer research experience to cover travel and living costs. U-RISE students are also expected to present their research at a conference and will receive up to $1,000 to cover travel, lodging, and registration fees."
  • Lathisms.  "This scholarship aims to support Hispanic/Latinx students interested in pursuing a career focused on mathematical sciences; such career paths include, but are not limited to, scientific research, mathematics education, engineering, and finance. We will be awarding scholarships of up to $500 (each) aimed at prospective and current undergraduate/graduate students."
  • The Ocampo-Senior STEM Scholarship will be awarded to junior and senior female Hispanic students who exhibit exceptional academic merit, demonstrate leadership potential, and showcase a dedicated commitment to giving back to the STEM community.  The scholarship marks a great addition to the GMiS STEM Scholarship. As a reminder, the application portal is NOW live and will close on APRIL 30,2024.  Click Here to Apply.

POSTBACCALAUREATE PROGRAMS

  • Causeway (The Causeway Postbaccalaureate Program is a yearlong experience that seeks to increase the number of graduate students in the mathematical sciences from historically under-represented groups.) 
  • Iowa State Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Mathematics.  "In this program, students will take four graduate courses, serve as teaching assistants in undergraduate courses, get ample mentoring from the department’s faculty and graduate students, attend conferences, and receive professional development to aid in applying to graduate programs (or jobs, if appropriate)."

CAREER PANELS, INTERNSHIPS, ETC.

  • The Pacific Math Alliance's monthly webinar and panel.  The event on Thursday, Jan 25th, will focus on Careers for Mathematicians: "Are you interested in the careers possible for mathematics students? The PMA welcomes as panelists several recent mathematics graduates and PhD students who will discuss careers and opportunities in the financial sector, as actuaries, in mathematical biology, and in research and teaching of computational and data science. In this webinar, they will give short presentations followed by Q&A."
  • The National Data Mine Network: "The data science community has a timely opportunity to reimagine the impact of the data sciences on the economy, and to improve outcomes for communities, by ensuring that students at Minority Serving Institutions have access to cutting edge courses, research opportunities, and industry partnerships . . . This project will enable undergraduate students to learn data science with hands-on work, in research or data science projects informed by industry partners . . . This program will provide $5000 research stipends to 100 students (per year) at Minority Serving Institutions."  Students and faculty can apply here to participate: https://datamine.purdue.edu/apply/
  • Summer 2024 Internships at Sandia National Labs.  “Launch your career in quantum with a paid summer internship at Sandia National Labs! As an intern, you’ll work directly with researchers advancing applications including quantum computing, sensing, algorithms, and more.  This internship opportunity is open only to CSU students and made possible by DOE RENEW’s QIST in the CSU.”