UBM: An Interdisciplinary Program in Mathematical Biology at New Mexico State University.

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Boecklen The investigator and colleagues develop an interdisciplinaryprogram in mathematical biology at New Mexico State Universitythat exposes biology and mathematics students to ongoing researchat the interface of biology and mathematics, and that enhancesthe training of undergraduate students in mathematical biology.They develop new courses in mathematical biology, establish anintensive mentorship program that involves hands-on researchexperience (field, laboratory, and computers), and developsupplemental materials for undergraduate biology courses thatpromote mathematical skills and critical thinking. They generatethree research projects suitable for undergraduate participation:endophyte mediation of tri-trophic interactions in Gambel's Oak,evolution of virulence in environmentally transmitted parasites,and a chemostat model for metapopulation dynamics. The project supports undergraduate training at New MexicoState University, an institution with large enrollments of NativeAmerican and Hispanic students and that is officially recognizedas a Minority Serving Institution. In addition, the projectintegrates research and education within the mathematical andbiological sciences and serves as a springboard for thedevelopment of an interdisciplinary program in mathematicalbiology. It contributes directly to the training of youngscientists and mathematicians by supporting a graduate studentand four undergraduate students over two years, and byinterjecting cross-disciplinary elements into the biology andmathematics curricula. This project is jointly supported by theBiological Sciences directorate, the Education and HumanResources directorate, and the Office of MultidisciplinaryActivities and the Division of Mathematical Sciences in theMathematical and Physical Sciences directorate.