Summer Undergraduate Mathematics Research

SUMaR 2024 is running from June 3 - July 26. All positions have been filled.

We are offering projects in discrete complex analysis, computational imaging, and algebra/representation theory. If this changes, we will update it here.

We are looking for a minimal background of (Calculus 3 or (Calculus 2 and Differential Equations)) and (Linear Algebra or Matrix Theory). Some projects may need some coding experience.

To apply to SUMaR, email reuapplications@math.ksu.edu, with your name in the subject line, attaching as PDF files the following materials:

1. Your unofficial transcript(s). If the classes you will take in the spring don't show, please mention them in your cover letter.
2. A cover letter, explaining why you are interested in participating in SUMaR, your future career plans, and how your participation in SUMaR would impact them. If you are a McNair, Math Alliance, LSAMP, etc scholar, or hold a scholarship, mention this here.
3. Demographics and contact info: Your address, e-mail, phone number, the school you attend, major(s), expected time of graduation, citizenship/residency status, ethnicity or race, sex.
4. You may attach a vita or resume if you wish.

In addition, ask two faculty who know your math work to e-mail reference letters for you, with your name in the subject line, and as PDF attachments, to the same address reuapplications@math.ksu.edu.

To receive full consideration, your application must be received no later than March 15, 2024.

Updating this page will continue. Inquiries can be made to reuapplications@math.ksu.edu.

Past SUMaR Results

Overview:

During eight weeks, 10 undergraduate students will have the opportunity to visit K-State and carry out research projects under the mentorship of the mathematics department's faculty.

This REU encourages applications from students considering graduate studies in mathematics, and in particular those who might otherwise not have an opportunity to experience working in mathematics.

Since a subset of the student population we plan to recruit will be early in their studies, and hence expected to have limited experience with mathematical proof, the REU will feature a series of talks by Philosophy faculty, on the epistemology of mathematics and propositional logic.

SUMaR receives its support from the National Science Foundation. As such, according to NSF regulations, it is only open to US citizens and permanent residents.

Mission:
- Help students to be independent researchers;
- enhance their understanding of basic mathematics and the areas involved in their own project;
- develop a sense of sound mathematical reasoning;
- create a sense of community among the REU students and our own students and faculty.

The REU also offers panels on graduate school and how to apply, class format lectures will be given on assorted topics of mathematics. Students will meet weekly to discuss progress, culminating in a closing conference in which students present their results.

All of our mentors have experience directing undergraduate research; often, and according to the student's investment, leading to publications, awards, and admission in Group I graduate programs. In the past, most REU students have prepared research papers, many becoming published. Results from SUMaR 2010 - 2023 can be found clicking on the links near the top of this page.

If you are a motivated math major, interested in furthering your mathematical education, you should apply!

SUMaR will have the following format:

- Each summer's the mentors will give a short series of talks leading to the problems that will be worked on that summer.
- Enrichment talks by faculty not leading projects and by senior graduate students.
- Workshops on mathematical exposition, typesetting with LaTeX, and use of MATLAB.
- Seminars on applying to graduate school.
- Social activities, including barbeques, outings to the Konza Prairie tallgrass prairie preserve, and shared social activities with several concurrent REUs on campus.
- Weekly progress meetings in which students from each project will report briefly on the work done that week.
- A student-organized conference during the last day of the REU in which the participants will present their results.

Participants in SUMaR will receive room and board, a research fellowship of $4800, plus $300 for travel expenses.

SUMaR 2024 mentors: Dan Volok, Dinh-Liem Nguyen, Rina Anno; Assistant Philosophy Faculty: Shay Logan.