Glenn LedderDepartment of MathematicsUniversity of Nebraska-Lincolngledder@math.unl.eduhttp://www.math.unl.edu/~RUTE

Structured Interdisciplinary Research Experiences in Mathematics and Biology

Biology and Math Majors:

Are you looking for an undergraduate experience that will make you stand out from the crowd of graduate school and job applicants?

Do you like to get your hands muddy? Are you interested in catching turtles? Weighing them? Learning all there is to know about them?

Do you wonder why some ponds have lots of turtles and others have few? Why the turtles in one pond bigger than those in another?

• Apply for the RUTE1 Scholars program for – a long-term structured introduction to

interdisciplinary research in biology and mathematics

– an all-expenses-paid 10-week trip to Cedar Point Biological Station

– a generous summer stipend

1Research for

Undergraduates in

Theoretical

Ecology

Research in Mathematics

• Original – can’t find the answer with Google

• Open-ended – not clear where to start / where to go

• Abstract – function properties, not formulas

• General – all cases considered

• Thorough – no loose ends

• Important – judged publishable by the math community

Undergraduate Research

• Original – can’t find the answer with Google

• Open-ended – not clear where to start / where to go

• somewhat Abstract

• somewhat General

• Give up Thorough and Important

Requirements for Success

• Assume enthusiasm, energy, ability

Students also need– Preparation: deep background knowledge– Maturity: ability to cope with confusion

• More direction than grad students

– Ownership: personal connection to problem• As much independence as is practical

– Commitment: enough time for the job

Preparation

• Prospective RUTE Math students take– Genetics– Ecology and Evolution

• Prospective RUTE Biology students take– Calculus I (for biology and medicine)– Math Methods for Biology and Medicine

• dynamical systems and probability

• Neither the biology nor the mathematics are likely to be sophisticated.

The RUTE Scholars Program

• Maturity 4 students: 2 biology and 2 math ≥ 2 mentors: 1 biology and 1 math

• Ownership Preliminary theoretical work Student-directed project design

• Commitment 3 semesters, 7 credits 10-week summer program (3 credits)

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

1. Focused preparation

• 2-credit reading course in spring semester– Topics:

• biological theory of research area• mathematical background for research area• field methods• experiment design

– Format:• students work together• students help choose topics and find sources• guest lectures as needed• students do papers and talks

2. Summer field experience

• 10 weeks in residence at Cedar Point Biological Station

– full-time graduate student support– 2 weeks with biology faculty mentor– 1 week visit by math faculty mentor

3. Data analysis and modeling

• 3-credit independent study in fall semester

– data analysis– mathematical modeling

• Students may work alone, in small groups, or all together

• Close mentoring relationship with math mentor

4. Presentation

• 2-credit independent study in spring semester

– prepare a research poster– prepare a conference talk– prepare a paper for a professional or

undergraduate journal

Ancillary Programs

• Research groups are expected to present preliminary results as a poster at the annual meeting of an interdepartmental Ecology and Evolution society.

• Funds are available for students to present work at JMM or the Ecological Society of America.

Transition Program

• There is also a RUTE Summer Scholars program.

– Research Skills in Theoretical Ecology course• Team-taught by a biologist and a mathematician• Minimal background required• Brief 4-phase experience: focused preparation,

laboratory research, data analysis and modeling, poster preparation

– Room and board plus stipend

RUTE Summer Scholars program

• Non-UNL students may participate, especially students between 2-year and B.S. programs.

• http://www.math.unl.edu/~RUTE