In the past several years, numerous opportunities for summer research in mathematics have arisen throughout the country. These include REU programs and research related to summer internships. Typically, these are the first activities and programs people think of when they consider undergraduate research in mathematics. Indeed, Penn State is quite committed to such programs; for example, we have offered a Summer REU program at Penn State for a number of years.
One of the goals of Penn State’s CURM is to encourage students to broaden their view of undergraduate research in mathematics by participating in research during the Fall and Spring semesters of an academic year. While this is certainly a newer concept than the traditional summer opportunities, it is the case that opportunities for year-round research are readily available here at Penn State.
Several faculty in the department are interested in working with students as researchers during the Fall and Spring semesters. Moreover, some of these faculty are able to provide monies to students who work with them. The advantages of such year-round research are clear, including ready access to faculty (since many of them travel during the Summer) and an extended time period during which more research and writing can be accomplished (in contrast to the usual 6-8 weeks available during an REU program).
For more information, email us at curm@math.psu.edu.