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

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.” Quote provided by: A cloudy day at Saugatuck Dunes State Park

What is an REU? Research Experience for Experience for Undergraduates 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

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

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

Other Benefits Financial –Stipend ($2200-$3000, plus travel expenses) –Free room and board Helps prepare you for graduate school or professional life Meet new friends Opportunities to travel Honors Project Dr. Paul Fishback makes a new friend at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids

A Typical Week at the GVSU REU 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) Dr. Matt Boelkins (GVSU) Monday – Breakfast and Entertainment provided by a faculty member Tuesday and Thursday – Group Presentation (30 min) Wednesday – Group Fun

Group Fun and Special Events Dr. Paul Fishback “emu”-lating the animals at the John Ball Zoo Group Fun in the rain at Strikers Mini-Golf Lunch with U. of Michigan Grad Students Group Fun at a Michigan Whitecaps baseball game

Interested? Talk to your adviser (or me at Go to the NSF-REU website to look for programs 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?

How to Apply Apply to 5 or more sites that you think you would enjoy and also suit your interests and abilities Things you’ll 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 registrar’s office –On-line application Application due dates range from the end of January to the middle of March South Haven City Beach South Haven City Beach da Vinci’s Horse at the Fredrik Meijer Sculpture Gardens