UCR Math Club REUs A Quick Guide to

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

Questions to Address 1. 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 (Do. D, Do. E, Do. C) • 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 programs �Several websites with lists of information: �AMS: http: //www. ams. org/programs/students/undergrad/emp-reu �SIAM: http: //connect. siam. org/summer-2014 -researchopportunities-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 advisors �Just google it!

Other Information �While fewer in number, there also exist summer research programs outside the US. (Summer in Italy, anyone? ) �There 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.

Tips �It’s important to start looking early! �Applications are free so apply to many programs �If 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?