Mathematics and Statistics

REU: Multidisciplinary Summer Undergraduate Research Program in Computation and Control of Biological and Biologically Inspired Systems
June 05, 2006 - July 28, 2006



Program | Mission | Support | Application | Travel | Schedule | REU Problems |

ABOUT THE REU PROGRAM

The Department of Mathematics at Texas Tech University will host a REU program on a multidisciplinary undergraduate research program in computation and control of biological and biologically inspired systems, which is sponsored by the National Science Foundation REU and the Department of Defense ASSURE program. This program will support eight undergraduate students and a K-12 teacher each year. The program is scheduled to be held between June 05, 2006 to July 28, 2006. This 8-week summer research experience will provide the participants with a unique experience of how mathematics can be applied to understand the qualitative and quantitative behavior of a biological or bio-like system. The proposed REU program will consist of interesting and challenging projects each year arising from computational modeling, systems & control, geometric modeling, and applications of complex analytic methods. Through these research problems, we hope to encourage students and teachers to learn by discovery as opposed to passive listening. This will be accomplished by employing non-traditional forms of active learning such as cooperative learning, simulation-based research and experimentation. This eight-week summer program will also include the following activities: lecture series on topics; mentoring club; guest colloquium; student seminars; computational laboratory and; scientific & social tours. The REU site will involve ten qualified faculty who have excelled in their research accomplishments, have guided graduate and undergraduate research, and have been involved in K-12 outreach activities. The site will also involve two graduate students each year who will serve as mentors for the participants.

The REU program is highly multi-disciplinary and Texas Tech University is committed to excellence in this direction. Applicants must be junior undergraduate students who will be completing their junior year by June 2006. Students with a strong background in advanced calculus, linear algebra and differential equations are eligible to apply. Women and underrepresented minorities are particularly encouraged to apply.

MISSION OF THE REU PROGRAM


FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Every selected student participant will be provided a stipend of $2,400, free on-campus housing and meals, and a travel allowance up to $500. The participants are expected to arrive Texas Tech University campus on June 04, 2006 (Sunday) and depart on July 29, 2006 (Saturday). Please note that under the rules of the program, only U.S. Citizens and permanent residents are eligible to receive stipends and support for housing and travel costs.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process consists of two parts. First, each applicant must submit an Online Application. Here they will submit some background contact information, names of the two or three references, and list their choices for the REU projects. After submitting the online part, an application packet containing the following materials:

must be mailed directly to:

Texas Tech University REU Program
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Box 41042, Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX 79409-1042

Please note that the deadline for the application is April 21, 2006 . Please make sure that the online part and the rest of the application material (Statement of Purpose; Letters of Recommendation; Official College Transcript) are received before the deadline for your application to be considered for a review process. The final eight participants will be notified by May 01, 2006. Outstanding students who complete their application early may request an early decision on the admission to our REU program.

TRAVEL

Flying to Lubbock : Service to Lubbock International Airport include Southwest Airlines, Continental Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines. For more information on LIA or the City of Lubbock, visit the Lubbock Convention & Tourism Bureau . Available transportation service from LIA, located approximately 15 minutes from the conference hotels, includes City Cab (806) 765-7474, Yellow Cab (806) 765-7777, Royal Cab (806) 749 5333, VIP Royal coach Private Service (806) 795 3888, Limousines of Lubbock (806) 743 5466, Lone Star Limousine (888) 286 5466, White Knights Limousines (806) 799 3366.

Driving to Lubbock : Centrally located between Dallas, Texas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, Interstate 27 connects the city of Lubbock with two east-west interstate systems, I-20 and I-40. State highways 82, 84, 87, and 114 also provide easy access to cities throughout the region. The following numbers may also provide more information: Emergency Road Conditions - (806) 745-4411, Texas Department of Transportation - (806) 745-4411, Tourist Information - (800) 452-9292.

Things to do in Lubbock :From dinner on Buddy Holly Avenue to family entertainment at the the Science Spectrum and Omnimax Theater you may be surprised to find all there is to see and do in Lubbock, Texas. Lubbock has a rich musical history and you are sure to find fantastic local talent any night of the week. And don't miss the chance to learn about the history of the region at the National Ranching Heritage Center. So come to Lubbock, open your mind and expect the unexpected!

REU WEEKLY PROGRAM SCHEDULE

The students arrive on June 4, 2006 to Lubbock. First day events include welcome, introduction, presentation on expectations of the program, tour of the campus and introduction to library research. The REU participant will be expected to use the times not alloted to discuss and engage in research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. A special mentoring club consisting of eight graduate students has been set up for the REU program. Each REU participant will therefore also have an opportunity to interact with these graduate student mentors during the program, to discuss their research and progress. Besides this, special social events will be arranged during the events for all participants of the program.

Monday      Computing Lab and Discussion (2-4 PM) Room: Lab 009
Tuesday      Faculty Presentations (10-12 PM) Room: MA 108
                   Guest Seminar (3-4 PM) Room: MA 108
Wednesday Graduate Student Presentations (10-11 AM) Room: MA 108
                   Computing Lab and Discussion (2-4 PM) Room: Lab 009
Thursday    Faculty Presentations (10-12 PM) Room: MA 108
                  Guest Seminar (3-4 PM) Room: MA 108
Friday       REU Student Presentations (10-12 PM) Room: MA 108

Faculty Presentations

Computing Labs Guest Seminars Graduate Student Presentations Other Special Events

REU PROBLEMS

The participating faculty in this program are Dr. Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, Dr. Wijesuriya Dayawansa, Dr. Roger Barnard, Dr. Akif Ibragimov, Dr. Lawrence Schovanec, Dr. Alex Solynin, Dr. Magdalena Toda, Dr. Ram Iyer, Dr. Brock Williams and Dr. Jerry Dwyer. The research areas (A, B, C, D) along with specific projects for the REU program are mentioned below. Please use this information to indicate your interests in your application form.

Computational Modeling (Area A) Systems and Control (Area B) Geometric Modeling (Area C) Complex Analysis and Applications (Area D) If you would like more information on the program, please send an email to math.reu@ttu.edu.