REU Site in Algebra, Combinatorics, Matrix Theory, and Number Theory

The primary objective is to stimulate talented undergraduate students to pursue graduate work

in sciences and mathematics by providing accessible and challenging research problems in basic

mathematics. Five faculty members will be involved in the three year program. Three faculty

mentors will coordinate the effort each summer. Students will work in groups of two or three with

one faculty mentor. Students will make presentations of their progress during weekly seminars.

Each student will submit a written report at the end of the program. Students will be encouraged

to publish their work and make presentations at professional meetings. Every effort will be made

during recruitment process to attract applicants from students in under-represented groups.

The students will be provided stipend, housing costs, meal allowance, and support for travel to

the REU Site, and travel support for conference presentations. Central Michigan University will

provide access to classrooms, the campus library, computer labs, notebook computers, printing and

copying services, and recreational facilities. To complement the research experience a number of

social enrichment activities have been planned.

The intellectual merit of this project is based in the challenging mathematical problems students

will attempt to solve. The students will tackle unsolved problems whose solutions (or partial

solutions) will improve human understanding of the very structure of mathematics. The broader

impact of the proposed project include training undergraduates in research in basic mathematics,

increasing the participation of women and minorities in science and math activities, and involving

undergraduates as young professionals in the broader disciplinary field.