Mathematics Programs That Make a Difference 2015
Citation 2015
The AMS recognizes the Center for Undergraduate Research in Mathematics and the Pacific Coast Undergraduate Math Conference. Both programs have made significant, successful efforts to encourage either underrepresented minorities and/or women to continue in the study of mathematics.
Center for Undergraduate Research in Mathematics
CURM provides training and funding for mathematics faculty at institutions across the United States to engage small groups of undergraduates in research during the academic year, with an emphasis on recruitment from underrepresented groups and historically minority-serving institutions. Since its creation in 2007, 312 students and 96 faculty members from 89 different institutions have participated in the program. Faculty begin their engagement with CURM by attending a 3-day summer workshop where they receive extensive advice on mentoring undergraduate research. After returning home, CURM faculty conduct research projects for groups of two to five students, culminating in an annual conference where the students present their findings. These efforts have yielded 263 conference presentations and 32 published research papers by CURM students. Nearly two-thirds of CURM alumni have gone on to graduate school, with many alumni attesting that their experience with CURM played a major role in that decision, while CURM faculty report that the program has a significant and lasting impact on the practices and cultures of their departments. Several institutions have replicated the CURM model, on a smaller scale, to develop mentoring programs and research opportunities for all their mathematics students. CURM has been supported by the Division of Mathematical Sciences of the National Science Foundation.
Center for Undergraduate Research in Mathematics
The AMS commends the Center for Undergraduate Research in Mathematics and its administrators for their high level of commitment and successful efforts to improve diversity in the profession of mathematics in the United States.
Pacific Coast Undergraduate Math Conference
PCUMC is an annual one-day student conference held at a rotating group of colleges and universities in the greater Los Angeles area. The conference gives undergraduates the opportunity to share research and expository projects, and aims to encourage the participation of underrepresented minorities and women in the undergraduate mathematical community. Since its founding in 2006, the PCUMC has hosted 2400 participants (including nearly 400 student speakers) from more than one hundred different institutions, of which 37 are Hispanic-Serving Institution members of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. In addition to student presentations and carefully-selected keynote speakers, the conference features panel discussions on topics such as graduate programs, summer internship and research opportunities, and career options in the mathematical sciences. Many of the keynote speakers and panelists are from industry. The student participants praise the conference’s welcoming and supportive environment, and faculty at participating institutions laud PCUMC as one of the most significant events for their mathematics majors each academic year. PCUMC has had a substantial impact on undergraduate mathematics in southern California, and provides a model that could be adopted in other metropolitan areas.
Pacific Coast Undergraduate Math Conference
Full Program Description
The AMS commends the Pacific Coast Undergraduate Mathematics Conference and its organizers for their high level of commitment and successful efforts to improve diversity in the profession of mathematics in the United States.
For more information about the nomination process, please contact the Associate Executive Director Meetings & Professional Services, via Associate Executive Directoror by telephone at 800-321-4267, ext. 4139.