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# Research Experience for Undergraduates 2021

Our 3 Mathematics REU groups - 2018

## Overview

Pending NSF funding, the Department of Mathematics at Texas A&M will host an eight-week Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) from June 7 to July 30 in the summer of 2021. We will have programs in Algorithmic Algebraic Geometry, Number Theory, and Probability and Algebra. We will have up to 4 student participants for each program. We especially encourage women, members of underrepresented groups, first-generation college students, and veterans to apply. Support for the program has been provided by the National Science Foundation through an REU grant .

## Summer 2021 Programs

•  Algorithmic Algebraic Geometry
•  Number Theory
•  Probability and Algebra

## Program Expectations

• The REU is a full-time summer position. Students are expected to work on mathematics - research, writing, giving/attending presentations, and so on - approximately 40 hours every week.
• Students will give bi-weekly short presentations (5-10 minutes) on what they learn and their research results during the program.
• Students will write a report on their research. This will be approximately 5-10 pages long.
• Students will make individual final 20-minute mini-symposium presentations on their research projects during the last week of the program.
• Students will learn LaTeX for writing mathematical articles, reports, and making presentations.
• Students may learn to use and program a computer algebra system such as MATLAB, Sage, or Mathematica.

## Eligibility

Applicants should be highly motivated and successful undergraduates who are comfortable with calculus, basic matrix manipulations, and elementary linear algebra. No special prior experience with mathematical software or computers is required. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents and must not have received their bachelors degree before the start of the summer program.

## Stipend and Support

Participating students will be provided free on-campus housing, along with an anticipated stipend of $4400$6400 for the 8-week program, plus subsidized travel to and from College Station. COVID UPDATE: In Summer 2021, we will host a virtual REU.

## Contact Information

Organizers: Jeffrey KuanRiad MasriJ. Maurice Rojas Matt Young

## Application Instructions and Deadline

All application materials (including letters of recommendation) are due by February 27, 2021. All applications must be submitted through the link to MathPrograms.org below.

### https://www.mathprograms.org/db/programs/1085

The following information is required with each application:

1. Unofficial transcripts. A legible scan of an official transcript is preferred. Your name and the institutions name must be clearly displayed on the transcript. Official transcripts may be required upon admission to the program.

2. A cover letter (250-400 words) describing why you are applying to our program, what careers you are considering, and how you expect our program to benefit you. A cover letter is a letter to the selection committee, and so should begin with a greeting and end with a closing that includes your full name. Letters should also include your contact information.

3. Two letters of recommendation, preferably by faculty members at your college or university or by professional contacts. Please ask your letter writers to provide their full university or professional contact information (professional letterhead or equivalent preferred), and to evaluate your work ethic, willingness to face new challenges and learn new material, writing ability (if known) and mathematical potential.

4. A 1-page (~400 word) answer to one of the following two questions:
Please indicate which question it is you are answering and put your name in your file.
1. Tell us about a positive learning, work or project experience you have had with mathematics. What math did it involve? What work did you do for this experience? What did you most enjoy? What did it teach you about yourself and your interests?
OR
2. Choose one concept in mathematics that interests you. What is it? Why do you find it interesting? What work have you done with it? What more would you like to learn about it?
5. (OPTIONAL) Describe any challenges or obstacles you have had to overcome in order to achieve your current level of success. (250-400 words)