REU Site: Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Industrial Mathematics and Statistics

伍斯特理工学院（WPI）工业数学和统计REU通过向学生介绍数学家和统计学家在“真实的世界”中使用数学的方式，为数学科学的学生提供了独特的教育体验。学生在团队中研究直接来自工业的工业和数学意义的研究问题，并对参与该计划的公司直接感兴趣。 学生与公司代表密切合作，定义问题并制定解决方案。他们与教师顾问密切合作，以保持对该项目的核心数学和统计的明确重点。这个暑期研究提供了传统本科课程中没有遇到的挑战，并有助于培养通常在学术课程中没有解决的技能。它还提供了一些开放给学生具有强大的数学背景的许多职业机会的一瞥。这个REU支持9名本科生在夏季9周的2到3个不同的工业项目。 学生在第一周制定项目目标声明，与教师顾问和公司联络合作。 在接下来的七周里，学生们进行实际的研究，同时向WPI的学术观众和赞助公司的企业观众展示他们的进展。 在最后一周，学生在WPI和公司进行最后的口头报告，并提交书面报告。在学术界和工业界提供数学职业选择的专业发展活动补充了该计划。 选择过程侧重于学生具有较强的学术背景，但在他们的家庭机构在数学研究的机会有限。 一个选择的重点是一个开放的追求一系列的研究方向，工业问题可能需要。成功的研究团队是多方面和多样化的，因此特别鼓励数学科学中代表性不足的群体的成员申请。

The Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) REU in Industrial Mathematics and Statistics provides a distinctive educational experience for students in the mathematical sciences by introducing them to the ways in which mathematicians and statisticians use math in the "real world". Students work in teams on research problems of industrial and mathematical significance that come directly from industry and that are of immediate interest to the companies involved in the program. Students work closely with company representatives to define the problem and to develop solutions. They work closely with faculty advisors to maintain a clear focus on the mathematics and statistics at the core of the project. This summer research provides challenges not faced in traditional undergraduate programs and helps to develop skills usually not addressed in academic programs. It also provides a glimpse of some of the many career possibilities that are open to students with a strong mathematical background.This REU supports 9 undergraduate students for 9 weeks during the summer on 2 to 3 different industrial projects. Students develop a project goals statement in the first week, in collaboration with a faculty advisor and a company liaison. Over the next seven weeks, students conduct the actual research while presenting their progress to both an academic audience at WPI and a corporate audience at the sponsoring company. In the final week, students give their final oral presentations at WPI and the company and submit a written report. Professional development activities presenting mathematical career options in academia and industry complement the program. The selection process focuses on students with a strong academic background but with limited opportunities for research in mathematics at their home institutions. One selection emphasis is an openness to pursue a range of research directions which an industrial problem may require. Successful research teams have been multifaceted and diverse, and therefore members of underrepresented groups in the mathematical sciences are especially encouraged to apply.