UCR Math Club: REUsA Quick Guide to Summer Research Presented by: Scott Manifold

Questions to Address1. What summer opportunities are

out there?

2. Why should I care?

3. How do I apply?

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

• Hang out, vacation, relax, live it up until next school year.

• Work • Summer School• Summer Research• Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)• Internships and Similar Programs• On-Campus Research

REUS

• Summer Research Programs funded the NSF• Located at Universities and Research Institutes around the United

States.• Last 6-10 weeks• Meant to introduce students (like you!) to research and show them

a snapshot of graduate school.• Programs in almost all the sciences (Physics, Biology, Math, etc.)

• Within math there a huge selection of different research areas, e.g. Logic, Combinatorics, Dynamical Systems, Fractal Geometry, Biostatistics, etc.

SIMILAR PROGRAMS

• There are range of different research oriented summer programs out there.• Corporate Internships• National Laboratories (DoD, DoE, DoC)• NASA• Government Agencies (NSA)

• These types of programs are generally less academic • More variability in eligibility, deadlines, pay, etc.

ON-CAMPUS RESEARCH

• Besides going to a different campus or location to do research, there are opportunities to do research at UCR

• Can get into undergraduate research anytime during the year

• Excellent way to build resume, get letters of recommendation

• Programs such as Dean’s Summer Internship, Chancellor’s Research Fellowship• http://www.ucr.edu/research/undergrads.html

1. Look up professor research interests

2. Email professors expressing interest and ask about getting involved in research

3. Be dedicated, don’t flake!

Why?: Benefits I

• These summer programs can pay:

1. Pay between $5000 - $8000, assistance in finding housing/roommates.

2. Pay between $3000-$4500, Travel Costs Reimbursed, Housing Provided (or

Reimbursed)

3. A mixture of the above.

• A chance to travel!

• Programs in almost every state, some near cities, some near great outdoor

locations

• Network and make friends

• Meet other undergraduates who are passionate about math

• Build connections with researchers at other institutions

Why?: Benefits II

• Become an expert at something

• Spend your summer gaining new skills and learning new things

• Chances to publish your results, go to conferences later on

• Oftentimes, the research program will help pay for conference

expense down the road.

• Looks great on Resume/CV

• Decide if research is right for you.

• It’s fun!

How to find programsSeveral websites with lists of information:

AMS: http://www.ams.org/programs/students/undergrad/emp-reu

SIAM: http://connect.siam.org/summer-2014-research-opportunities-for-undergraduates/

NSF: http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.jsp?unitid=5044

Check websites of companies, labs, major organizations.

Talk to grad students, professors, academic advisorsJust google it!

Other InformationWhile fewer in number, there also exist

summer research programs outside the US. (Summer in Italy, anyone?)

There are also programs which are open to a variety of disciplines, not just math.

Some summer research programs are used to recruiting tools for universities.

Deadlines can vary heavily, from mid November to mid April.

TipsIt’s important to start looking early!Applications are free so apply to many

programsIf you’re not sure you’re eligible for a program,

don’t hesitate to email someone and ask.Knowing people helps.

Sometimes connections professors have or connections you have gained from going to conferences can help you land a spot in a program.

Be organized and courteous

BEST OF LUCK

Questions?