The purpose of this page is to facilitate the participation of talented undergraduates in research projects in the mathematical sciences. There are no formal requirements for participation in such projects, but it is strongly suggested that you be a junior or senior and have received 3.5 or higher in several upper-division mathematics courses.
The word research has a flexible meaning. Unlike other scientific fields, it is not generally expected (though it is certainly possible!) for an undergraduate to be involved in cutting-edge research in the mathematical sciences. The purpose of a research project therefore is often to serve as a learning tool, to give both a sense of what work in the mathematical sciences is like and a proficiency in the topics surrounding your project.
Depending on the interests and expertise of the student and their faculty sponsor, a research project can involve anything from mathematical modeling and computer simulation to the exploration of more abstract concepts in pure mathematics.
In the process of researching a topic in the mathematical sciences, you will familiarize yourself with the way that mathematics is created and have the opportunity to interact mathematically with a faculty member. A successful research project project also presents the possibility of getting your work published or presented at a conference (which has happened with several past VIGRE-funded projects). No matter what your career goals are, a research experience is a good way to enhance a resume or graduate school application. If you are unsure whether a career in the mathematical sciences is right for you, participating in a research project can give you a better idea of what such a career would involve.
Also, graduation with honors or distinction in mathematics requires completion of a senior thesis. The senior thesis is a longer-term research project (usually spanning 3 quarters) culminating in the writing of the thesis.
The most important, and often most difficult, step in starting a research project is finding a faculty member to supervise the research. You are encouraged to seek out a faculty member on your own if you are interested in starting a project. A good place to start is to talk to a professor whose class you are taking and who is knowledgeable in specific topic you are interested in.
If you are unable to find a faculty sponsor on your own, the VIGRE undergraduate programs committee may be able to assist you. The more flexible you are regarding the subject of your project and the stronger your academic record is, the more likely we are to be able to connect you with a faculty sponsor. To contact the committee, send email to Trevor Arnold or Aravind Asok.
Once a faculty member has agreed to sponsor a research project, it remains to finalize your topic and to find a source of support.
Research projects can be supported in the following ways:
VIGRE funding: The three mathematical sciences departments at UW (mathematics, statistics, applied mathematics) have received a large grant from the NSF, part of the funding from which is specifically reserved for supporting undergraduate research projects. The VIGRE grant generally provides on the order of $500–1000 for a quarter-long research project. To apply for VIGRE funding, you need to fill out this form. Applications for VIGRE funding are very likely to be successful.
Independent study courses: If you prefer, you can arrange to receive course credit for MATH 398, STAT 499, or AMATH 499, depending on whether your faculty sponsor is in the department of mathematics, statistics, or applied mathematics, respectively. These courses will likely not count toward the completion of your major.
Individual faculty grants: Several faculty members have grants which provide funding for undergraduate participation in research projects. Funding from these sources will have to be worked out on an individual basis with your faculty sponsor.
University funding: There may be university-wide funding available for research projects, depending on the nature of the project. A list of possible funding sources can be found here.