Program Overview

Program Overview

The Math Research at UNC Charlotte (MRC-REU) site will host undergraduate students working with faculty mentors for 10 weeks on research projects in topics including inverse problems, differential equations, number theory, material science, probability theory, and statistics. The objective of the program is to cultivate in the students an appreciation of mathematics and its applications and to stimulate the students’ interest in pursuing careers in STEM. The program will foster the overall professional growth of the participants through presentations, training, and networking with alumni and local industry partners.

  • Program dates: The 2024 MRC-REU program will be from May 20 – July 26, 2024
  • Commitment: This project is expected to be an intensive research experience. During the ten weeks of the program, participants are expected to work full-time on their project. In particular, participants should not hold other jobs or be enrolled in classes during that time.
  • Eligibility: According to the NSF rules (https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/), undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. Additionally, we would like undergraduate students at a university, college, or community college who have a  strong interest in mathematics or  statistics and a desire to pursue undergraduate research. Applicants should be a college-bound high school senior through rising college senior; be and remain a student in good standing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; and plan to complete an undergraduate degree program. Students from colleges or universities that have limited opportunities for research and/or who are from underrepresented groups in mathematics are especially encouraged to apply.
  • Application window: Feb 3 – March 15, 2024. (link)
  • Contact: Michael Grabchak and Xingjie (Helen) Li

Program Activities

  1. Ten-week summer research
  2. $6,000 stipend for summer research
  3. On-campus housing provided
  4. Boot camp, seminars and workshop activities
  5. Recreational activities
  6. Industrial and graduate school panel discussion
  7. Final research symposium

Tentative Research Projects

Student participants will be assigned to a research group mentored by a UNC Charlotte faculty member. The research topics will be within the area of expertise of the faculty mentor. Our department has broad expertise across mathematics and statistics, including probability theory, statistics, analysis, knot theory, and scientific computing. Tentative REU topics are listed below.

  1. Project 1: Zero-inflated models for sparse data.
  2. Project 2: Schramm-Loewner Evolutions and Random Matrix Theory.
  3. Project 3: Examination of dynamic predictability of excess returns.
  4. Project 4: Model-based clustering in R-Markdown: parametric and nonparametric methods.
  5. Project 5: Health issues due to Air pollution in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
  6. Project 6: Knot theory with a graph theory approach.
  7. Project 7: Reconstruction of random family trees.
  8. Project 8: Functional Data Analysis for Conditional Quantiles with Applications in Medical Studies.
  9. Project 9: Survival analysis models for personalized medicine.

 Diverse and Inclusive Environment

UNC Charlotte and the MRC-REU program strive to create an academic climate in which the dignity of all individuals is respected and maintained. We celebrate and leverage the benefits of diversity, and are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all MRC participants. Therefore, we celebrate diversity that includes, but is not limited to ability/disability, age, culture, ethnicity, gender, language, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.

The MRC REU program is prepared to work with participants to find accommodations when necessary to ensure a student’s success in the program. Married applicants are encouraged to apply, and they are also encouraged to contact the MRC directors to see if opportunities in other on-campus summer programs are available for their partner. Students with disabilities do not need to disclose their disabilities at the time of applying to the program. The MRC program directors will work with the participant to ensure a living and research environment that meets their specific needs.