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

伍斯特理工学院（WPI）工业数学与统计REU通过向学生介绍数学家和统计学家在“现实世界”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。学生们以小组形式研究工业和数学意义上的问题，这些问题直接来自工业，并与参与该计划的公司直接相关。学生与公司代表密切合作，确定问题并制定解决方案。他们与教师顾问密切合作，以保持对项目核心数学和统计学的明确关注。这个夏季的研究提供了传统本科课程所没有的挑战，并有助于培养通常在学术课程中不涉及的技能。它也提供了一些许多职业的可能性，是开放给学生一个强大的数学背景的一瞥。该REU在夏季为9名本科生提供为期9周的2 - 3个不同的工业项目。学生在第一周与指导老师和公司联络人合作制定项目目标声明。在接下来的七个星期里，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，学生们在WPI和公司做最后的口头报告，并提交一份书面报告。专业发展活动提出数学的职业选择在学术界和工业界补充该计划。选拔过程侧重于具有强大学术背景的学生，但在本国机构进行数学研究的机会有限。一个选择重点是追求一个工业问题可能需要的一系列研究方向的开放性。成功的研究团队是多方面和多样化的，因此，数学科学中代表性不足的群体的成员被特别鼓励申请。

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.