Undergraduate Research Opportunity in Interdisciplinary Research

The REU Site: Mathematical Modeling in the Sciences is an intensive eight-week research program for undergraduate students hosted by Prairie View A&M University, TX (PVAMU) with the support of NSF and PVAMU. The program focuses on mathematical modelling in different disciplines and combines extensive scientific experience with entertaining learning and exciting summer experience.

Mathematics is a very important discipline widely used across disciplines. To help students to deal with ‘math anxiety’, the REU Site: Mathematical Modeling in the Sciences launches an interdisciplinary approach by integrating mathematical modeling in research projects in different disciplines that could lead to an increase in students’ understanding and fondness for mathematics. The REU site participants will get thorough vision of what research is and how to conduct it, develop their skills of teamwork with peers and mentors-experts in different fields.

  • Foster integration of education, research, and practice by engaging students in interdisciplinary projects that emphasize connections across disciplines and importance of having a strong cross disciplinary foundation.
  • Stimulate early engagement of undergraduate students in interdisciplinary research and enhance students’ active learning through collaborative research.
  • Encourage long-term mentoring relationship between students and their mentors through intensive collaboration and interaction and establish successful and active research groups.
  • Attract undergraduates from underrepresented in science groups to be involved in research and pursue them to continue their education career in STEM and other disciplines.

Program Dates

June 3 – July 26, 2024 (subject to small variation)

Stipend, Housing, and Transportation

REU-site participants will receive a stipend of $4,800 and paid housing on campus and travel (for more than 250 miles from campus).

Students will spend 8 weeks in-person:

    • conducting research with their mentors.
    • learning a data science programming language.
    • attending faculty research talks.
    • participating in professional development workshops.
    • attending educational field trips.
    • visiting a local university to explore graduate school opportunities.
    • presenting a poster.

The REU Site is funded through the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Under-graduates program DMS-1950677 in accordance with the NSF-19-582 program solicitation.

Eligibility

Undergraduates from underrepresented in science groups (African-American and Hispanic, females, first generation college students) and undergraduates with limited or no opportunity to participate in research activities in STEM fields are especially welcomed and encouraged to apply.

  • Freshmen, sophomores and juniors from PVAMU and other universities, colleges, and predominantly undergraduate institutions

  • U.S. citizens and permanent residents
  • Freshmen, sophomore or junior with an overall of GPA of 2.3 or higher

  • College Algebra background and basic computer programming

For more information, please contact Dr. Pierre kcpierre@pvamu.edu or Dr. Indika at ipwickramasinghe@pvamu.edu.

How to Apply

  • Scan QR code to apply.

Deadline

  • Applications completed by April, 30 2024 will receive priority consideration.

Leadership

Dr. Kiesha Pierre
Dr. Kiesha PierrePrincipal Investigator
Phone: 936 261 1988
Email: kcpierre@pvamu.edu
Dr. Indika Wickramasinghe
Dr. Indika WickramasingheCo-Principal Investigator

Mentors

Dr. Indika Wickramasinghe
Dr. Indika WickramasingheStatistics and Probability