In an effort to further improve its undergraduate component and to respond to numerous specific inquiries, the Department of Mathematics at University of Rochester is starting this fall an undergraduate research initiative, which wants to challenge and offer support to interested students in undertaking mathematical research projects. This initiative intends to complement in a nice way well-known summer research opportunities - REU's. Involvement in a research project can serve as a culminating experience in an undergraduate mathematics major, an enriching opportunity for a mathematics minor, and an excellent way of getting a flavor of what it means to be a research mathematician.
In order to have a starting point of discussion let us take the definition of 'research' from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary: "a careful or diligent search; a studious inquiry or examination; an investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws; the collecting of information about a particular subject." Here are some examples as they apply to Mathematics:
In order to give yourself a better chance at succeeding in this activity, we feel that one should have a solid knowledge and understanding of the concepts discussed in the foundational courses:
Equivalent courses may be substituted (e.g., 141-143 for 161-162, or the 17X Quest series). Of course, it is highly recommended for interested students to take also 200 level classes before or at the time of starting the project. There might be projects though where one can get by with less than what it's specified above, but this needs to be discussed in detail with the advisor.
Interested students should contact one of the following advisors, depending on the research area of the project:
| Research field |
Advisor |
Office |
E-mail |
| Algebra and Number Theory | Douglas Haessig | Hylan 813 | chaessig@math.rochester.edu |
| Analysis | Dan-Andrei Geba | Hylan 806 | dangeba@math.rochester.edu |
| Geometry | Sema Salur | Hylan 1005 | salur@math.rochester.edu |
| Mathematical Physics and Probability | Shannon L. Starr | Hylan 1017 | sstarr@math.rochester.edu |
| Topology | Frederick Cohen | Hylan 1002 | cohf@math.rochester.edu |
If unsure about the research field or for any other questions, please contact Coordinator of Undergraduate Research, Dan-Andrei Geba.