February 2007 Newsletter
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Hi, All,

In this issue of the Mathematics Undergraduate Newsletter:

-Looming Deadlines (Including Career Center events)
-Winter Undergraduate Colloquia
-Course Profile: Math 160, Mathematical Logic, Spring 2007
-Career Profile: Biomathematics
-UCSC Research Opportunities for Math Undergraduates

Looming Deadlines http://www.math.ucsc.edu/undergraduate/opp/index.html

- Newton Fellowship Program Application Deadline – February 9
Trains mathematically talented individuals to become high school math teachers and supports them in the early years of their careers.
Visit http://www.mathforamerica.org/index.php.
- Summer Math Institute at Cornell University Application Deadline – February 9
Explore the world of mathematics and prepare for the rigors of graduate school. Research areas are Dynamical Systems and Neurobiology, and Random
Graphs and Algorithms.
Visit http://www.math.cornell.edu/~smi/.
- Committee on Institutional Cooperation REU Application Deadline – February 10
The goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented students who pursue academic careers by enhancing their preparation for graduate study through intensive research experiences.
Visit http://www.cic.uiuc.edu/programs/SROP/.
- Williams College SMALL Undergraduate Research Project Application Deadline – February 12
Participate in mathematical research in commutative algebra, ergodic theory, geometry, knot theory, mathematical physics, and particle collisions.
Visit http://www.williams.edu/Mathematics/small_CES.html.
- Statistical & Applied Mathematical Sciences Institute (SAMSI) Two-Day Undergrad Workshop Application Deadline – February 14
Travel to SAMSI for a Mathematics Workshop on Complex Computer Models and have your travel expenses paid for.
Visit http://www.samsi.info/workshops/index.shtml.
- Chancellor’s Undergraduate Internship Program (CUIP) Application Deadline – February 15
Work with a mentor on an important campus project, take a class on leadership and institution building led by top campus leadership, and get your registration fees paid for.
Visit http://intern.ucsc.edu/cuip/.
- Clemson University REU Application Deadline – February 15
Participate in mathematical research in computational number theory and combinatorics.
Visit http://www.math.clemson.edu/~kevja/REU/ComputationalNumberTheoryAndCombinatorics.html.
- Palo Alto Research Center Internship Program Application Deadline – February 15
Research opportunities for those holding a bachelor's degree in Mathematics.
Visit http://www.parc.com/contact/employment/graduate.php.
- University of Colorado Summer Multicultural Access to Research Training (SMART) Application Deadline – February 15
Interns conduct research projects in science, math, and engineering fields under the guidance of a faculty mentor and experience graduate student life.
Visit http://www.colorado.edu/graduateschool/SMART/SMARTWebsite/.
- University of Wisconsin Summer Research Program in Biostatistics Application Deadline – February 15
Explore careers in biostatistics and bioinformatics, applications of biostatistics in basic and clinical research, and career opportunities to apply mathematical science to new methods for design and analysis of resulting data.
Visit http://www.biostat.wisc.edu/trainingandstudentinfo/SIBS/index.htm.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute Summer Internship Program (MBRI) Application Deadline – February 15
MBRI offers students unique opportunities to be involved in advanced research and development projects.
Visit http://www.mbari.org/education/internship/07interns/07announce.htm.
- University of Minnesota Duluth REU Application Deadline – February 16
Conduct investigations on problems in graph theory and combinatorics.
Visit http://www.d.umn.edu/~jgallian/announce.html.
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Summer Institute on Atmospheric, Hydrospheric, and Terrestrial Sciences Application Deadline – February 17
Conduct research in the atmospheric, hydrospheric, and terrestrial sciences, both theoretical and experimental (no previous experience in these fields is necessary).
Visit http://neptune.gsfc.nasa.gov/summerinstitute/.
- Teach for America Application Deadline – February 18
Teach in urban and rural public schools and become leaders in the effort to expand educational opportunity.
Visit http://www.teachforamerica.org.
- Oregon State University REU Application Deadline – February 20
Learn the process of doing mathematical research and about mathematics as a discipline and profession by working on their own research projects.
Visit http://www.math.oregonstate.edu/%7Emath_reu/index.htm.
- Leadership Excellence through Advanced Degrees (UC LEADS) Application Deadline – February 21
UC LEADS prepares California's future leaders for advanced education in science, mathematics, and engineering. UC LEADS Scholars participate in a two-year individualized program of scientific research and graduate school preparation guided by faculty mentors.
Visit http://www.ucop.edu/ucleads/.
- East Tennessee State University REU Application Deadline – February 21
Conduct research projects in the fields of Combinatorics, Molecular Biology, Stochastic Geometry, Network Reliability, Random Graph Theory, the Theory of Algorithms, or Number Theory.
Visit http://www.etsu.edu/math/godbole/nsf.htm.
- Applied Mathematical Sciences Summer Institute (AMSSI) CalPoly, Pomona and Loyola Marymount University Application Deadline – February 21
Prepare for successful future study through an intensive research experience, quality mentoring, and the establishment of a strong support network.
Visit http://www.amssi.org/.
- Student Regent Application Deadline – February 22
Become UCSC’s next Student Regent!
Visit http://www2.ucsc.edu/careers/jobs/regent.html.
- Cornell University REU Application Deadline – February 22
Participate in one of three projects: Analysis on Fractals, Dynamical Systems and Computer-Assisted Proofs, and Geometric and Topological Combinatorics.
Visit http://www.math.cornell.edu/Undergraduate/REU/REU.htm.
- Carleton & St. Olaf Colleges’ Summer Mathematics Program for Women Application Deadline – February 23
Gain the tools you need to succeed in a mathematical career and to connect with a network of fellow female mathematicians.
Visit http://www.math.carleton.edu/smp/.
- Central Michigan University REU Application Deadline – February 23
Conduct research this summer in Algebra, Combinatorics, and Matrix Theory.
Visit http://www.cst.cmich.edu/units/mth/NSFREU/CMU_REU_2007_Application.pdf.
- Wabash Summer Institute in Algebra Application Deadline – February 23
Participate in research in Abstract Algebra this summer.
Visit http://www.wabash.edu/academics/math/wsia/.
- National Institute’s of Health’s Undergrad Scholarship Program Application Deadline- February 28
Offers competitive scholarships up to $20,000 a year to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who plan to pursue careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research.
Visit http://www.ugsp.nih.gov/home.asp?m=00.
- REU in Mathematics at CSU San Bernardino Application Deadline – February 28
Participate in research in knot theory and combinatorics this summer.
Visit http://www.math.csusb.edu/reu/reu.html.
- California Senate Fellowship Application Deadline – February 28
Gain experience in the legislative process and provide research and other professional assistance to the California Senate.
Visit http://www.csus.edu/calst/senate/index.html.
- Judicial Administration Fellowship Program Application Deadline – February 28
Work as a professional staff member in the California Judicial branch offices at the Capitol. Sponsored by Sacramento State University and the California Judicial Council.
Visit http://www.csus.edu/calst/judicial/.
- Arizona State University Mathematical & Theoretical Biology Institute REU Application Deadline – March 1
Visit http://mtbi.asu.edu/Summer%20Program.html.
- George Washington Program for Women in Math Application Deadline – March 1
For women completing their junior year, participate in a program for mathematically talented undergraduates to develop research skills in the mathematical sciences and to promote success in graduate school.
Visit http://www.gwu.edu/~math/spwm.html.
- National Institute of Health Summer of Discovery Application Deadline – March 1
Work on a research project that exposes you to the latest biochemical, molecular, and analytical techniques.
Visit http://www.niehs.nih.gov/summers/home.htm.
- Miami University REU Application Deadline – March 1
Conduct research in the mathematical sciences this summer.
Visit http://www.units.muohio.edu/sumsri/.
- Claremont Colleges REU Application Deadline – March 1
Work on a research project in mathematics this summer and participate in workshops introducing various aspects of a career in the mathematical sciences. Research Topics include: Mathematical Biology, Lattice Theory, Geometric Combinatorics, and Knot Theory.
Visit http://pzacad.pitzer.edu/%7Ejhoste/reuwebsite/.
- University of Notre Dame REU Application Deadline – March 1
Conduct a research project on complex algebraic curves this summer.
Visit http://www.nd.edu/~ndreu/.
- BYU Summer Mathematics REU Application Deadline – March 1
Experience mathematical research in minimal surfaces and geometric optimization and prepare for success in graduate school.
Visit http://www.math.byu.edu/~mdorff/SummerMathInstitute/index.htm.
- University of Wisconsin – Madison Summer Institute for Training in Biostatistics Application Deadline – March 2
Earn college credit and explore careers in biostatistics and bioinformatics this summer.
Visit http://www.biostat.wisc.edu/trainingandstudentinfo/SIBS/index.htm.
- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology REU Application Deadline – March 2
Conduct research in inverse problems and Cwatsets
Visit http://www.rose-hulman.edu/mathREU/REUhome.php.
- Grand Valley State University REU Application Deadline – March 2
Conduct research in chaotic dynamical systems, fractal geometry, topology, distance geometry, and wavelets this summer.
Visit http://www.gvsu.edu/mathreu/.
- Lafayette College Mathematics REU Application Deadline – March 2
Topics for research projects include: Differential Geometry, Probability Theory, and Combinatorics.
Visit http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~math/reu/.
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute REU Application Deadline – March 2
Work on real-world problems generated by corporate sponsors. Collaborate with a company rep to define the problem and develop solutions of immediate value to the company.
Visit http://www.wpi.edu/Academics/Depts/Math/CIMS/REU/.

Career Center Events http://www2.ucsc.edu/careers/

- Selecting an Internship Workshop – February 6
- Job Interviewing Techniques Workshop – February 6 & 28
- Resume & Cover Letter Workshop – February 16 & 27
- Graduate/Professional School Information Workshop – February 20
- Free GRE Practice Test – February 24
Register 1-800-KAP-TEST or online at http://kaptest.com/testdrive.
- Multicultural Career Conference – March 3

Upcoming Colloquia http://natsci2.ucsc.edu/semedit/flyer.seminar.html?x=310

A real, live Psychometrician is speaking on Friday, March 2! See below.

Wednesday, February 7
Dr. Frank Bäuerle, Lecturer UCSC Mathematics Department
“Games Night”
We will concentrate on "connection games" such as Hex, Y, Twixt and Quoridor. The object of connection games is to form a path connecting something to something else. This requires very different thinking from the standard battle-type game such as chess or checkers. Players who dislike abstract battles, may find they have an affinity for making connections.
Some web sites with interesting information about these games are:
Quoridor: http://www.gamereport.com/tgr16/quoridor.html
Twixt: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/949/
Hex: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hex_(game)/

Wednesday, February 14
TBA

Wednesday, February 21
Dr. Frank Bäuerle, Lecturer UCSC Mathematics Department
“Games Night”

**Note Special Day & Time**
Friday, March 2 11:00 AM
Terran Brown, UCSC Math Alum, Ph.D. in Education – Quantitative Research Methodology
“Careers in Psychometrics”
Abstract: Come learn about exciting careers in Psychometrics. Terran Brown is employed with the Educational Testing Service (ETS) as a Psychometrician. He will also be speaking about graduate internships and fellowships at the Educational Testing Service.
Visit: http://www.math.ucsc.edu/undergraduate/newsletters/oct06.html#ps and http://www.math.ucsc.edu/undergraduate/careers/statistics.html

Wednesday, March 14
Dr. Frank Bäuerle, Lecturer UCSC Mathematics Department
“3.14 Pi Day”

Course Profile: Math 160 - Mathematical Logic
Instructor: Dr. Frank Bäuerle

The Mathematics Department is offering Mathematical Logic in the Spring quarter, taught by Frank Bäuerle. Mathematical logic deals with mathematical concepts expressed using formal logical systems such as sets, numbers, proofs, and computation.

This course covers propositional and predicate calculus, resolution, completeness, compactness, and Löwenheim-Skolem theorem. It introduces Recursive functions and Gödel incompleteness theorem. The class will discuss undecidable theories and Hilbert's 10th problem. The prerequisite for this course is either Math100 or Computer Science 101.

Career Profile: Biomathematics

With the ever-expanding reach of genomics and proteomics and the large amounts of data that their associated techniques generate, biology is becoming an increasingly quantitative science. The need is growing for scientists who can speak the languages of both the computational and biological sciences. The field of biomathematics, or bioinformatics, is one way to deal with this explosion of data. At its core the field is simply the intersection of biology and the computational sciences, which include mathematics, statistics, and computer science.

For many people, biomathematics is focused on analyzing genomic data, but for others it's much broader. Originally confined to the early stages of drug discovery, bioinformatics is lending its power to all aspects of clinical development, a trend that will only continue. "In industry, I see biomathematics evolving from primarily supporting early discovery to becoming more embedded in all stages of the drug discovery process," Siemers says.

At Large Scale Biology Corporation in Vacaville, CA, Gary M. Wolfe, vice president of informatics systems, prefers to pull bioinformaticists from the physical sciences because they tend to have a "good mathematical foundation." They may be required to develop user interfaces for existing algorithms or to develop algorithms of their own. "I'd rather get individuals who are heavy-duty experienced physical scientists with a strong mathematics background," Wolfe says.

However, Wolfe says, it's not possible to take just any person with a programming background or mathematical background and have them program for bioinformatics applications. "They have to have an interest and experience in the life sciences. That can come from previous work they've done in a company or even their graduate or undergraduate training." Joho says the ideal preparation varies because biomathematics requires a variety of people. "The key would be that you have to be very good in one area, but you should also have some additional training in another area. For example, a mathematician who has a good biology background is very valuable, as is a biologist who has a computer science or mathematics background."

Even with downturns in the economy, the demand for bioinformaticists does not seem to have diminished. "The field is somewhat insulated because there is still such a high demand for skilled biomathematicians," Wolfe says. "The fact is that there is a lot of money going into genomics and proteomics these days; I assume that the demand for biomathematicians will only grow over the coming years."

Visit http://www.math.ucsc.edu/undergraduate/careers/health.html for information about careers in Biomathematics.
Explore careers in bioinformatics this summer and earn college credit. Visit http://www.biostat.wisc.edu/trainingandstudentinfo/SIBS/index.htm for more information.

Upcoming UCSC Research Opportunities
Below are descriptions of the upcoming research opportunities available at UCSC for mathematics undergraduates. Applications and more information are available in the Math Department’s office, Baskin Engineering Room 194.

UC LEADS (Leadership Excellence through Advanced Degrees) Program
The UC LEADS program educates California's future leaders by preparing promising students for advanced education in science, mathematics, and engineering. The program is for upper-division undergraduate students with the potential to succeed in their disciplines, but who have experienced situations or conditions that have adversely impacted their advancement in their field of study. Once chosen as UC LEADS Scholars, students embark upon a two-year individualized program of scientific research and graduate school preparation guided by individual faculty mentors.

Application Deadline: February 21
Contact: msoto@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-2768
Website: http://graddiv.ucsc.edu/ucleads/index.php

Dean’s, Chancellor’s, & Steck Undergraduate Awards
The Dean’s, Chancellor’s, and Steck Undergraduate Awards competition recognizes exceptional achievement in research projects or other creative activities. Through these awards the Deans and Chancellor wish to encourage and stimulate outstanding scholarship and creativity among undergraduate students, based on work developed in courses or programs in the normal pattern of academic activity at UCSC. Winners are honored at an awards ceremony in June during the UCSC Annual Student Achievement Week. The names of the winners are also announced at graduation. Guidelines and application forms are available from the offices of the Chancellor, Divisions, Departments, and Colleges.

* Dean's Award- Fifty undergraduate students, ten from each of the five academic divisions, receive a Dean's Award (certificate and $100). Recipients are considered for the Chancellor's Award.
* Chancellor's Award- The best three students from each of the divisions will also receive a Chancellor's Award (certificate and an additional $100). Recipients are considered for the Steck Award.
* Steck Award- In recognition of the most outstanding completed senior thesis/research project, one graduating senior will be selected as the recipient of the Steck Award. The student will receive $1,000 and a certificate. In addition, his or her senior thesis/research project will be bound and copies given to the student, the research supervisor, McHenry Library, and the Steck family.

Application Deadline: April 13
Applications available in Math Department Office, Baskin Engineering Room 194.

Division of Physical & Biological Sciences and Jack Baskin School of Engineering 2007 Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium
The Division of Physical and Biological Sciences and the Jack Baskin School of Engineering are pleased to announce the Tenth Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium. The symposium will be held on June 7, 2007 in the courtyard of Jack Baskin Engineering. It will be held in conjunction with the events celebrating Student Achievement Week 2007. This event will recognize and promote the outstanding undergraduate research that is being carried out at UCSC while providing students with the experience of presenting their research results in a professional setting.

UCSC undergraduate students from all disciplines in the Physical and Biological Sciences and Engineering are invited to participate in this event. Undergraduate students who are currently engaged in research under the direction of a faculty advisor are eligible. Examples of such research at the undergraduate level would be: research projects for Independent Study, Senior Thesis, or classroom research projects done on an individual basis. The research does not have to be completed. All students must register to participate by May 11th.

POSTER PRESENTATION GUIDELINES:
Poster format should include the following:
* Abstract
* Introduction (purpose, significance, hypothesis, reasoning, etc )
* Objectives/Background (significance of research to the field)
* Methods or Design process
* Results
* Conclusions

Application and Abstract Deadline: May 11
Contact: pschneid@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-3493
Website: http://nsbo.ucsc.edu/dean/UGRSApplication2007.pdf

--
Naomi Brokaw, Undergraduate Advisor
UCSC Mathematics Office, 194 Baskin
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95064
Phone: 831-459-4691 Fax: 831-459-3260

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