Application Procedure

The DUE date for applications is March 3, 2009.

Plans for the 2009 REU:
  • Jessica Sidman will lead a group in Algebraic Geometry. A brief description follows below.

    The central object of algebraic geometry is a variety, which is the solution set of a system of polynomial equations. We will tackle various problems related to manipulating the equations defining varieties. In particular, we are interested in Groebner basis computations with a variety X and its associated secant variety. If X is smooth then its secant variety is the union of all of its secant and tangent lines. Although the questions we will pursue lie in the realm of pure mathematics, they originate with questions raised by B. Sturmfels and S. Sullivant in their research in algebraic statistics.
  • Giuliana Davidoff will lead a group in Number Theory.
  • See our Web page of past projects for a description of other REU groups led by Jessica Sidman and Giuliana Davidoff.

Application Procedure:
We are using the Mount Holyoke Employment Opportunities career site to collect applications on line for this year's REU. So do not be confused that you are applying through the same web site that Mount Holyoke uses for its regular job applicants.

To Apply:

  1. Request one letter of recommendation from a mathematics faculty member who knows you well. This letter can be sent to us by email at: reu at mtholyoke dot edu, faxed to us at 413-538-3035, or mailed to us at: REU, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA 01075.
  2. Go to the MHC online Job Search (http://jobsearch.mtholyoke.edu).
  3. You can confirm that you are at the correct web site by clicking Search Postings and under job title select REU: Mathematics Summer Research Opportunity to see the description of our program.
  4. To apply for the REU, select Create Application and select staff application.
  5. Choose a username and password. Make sure to write down your username and password. You will need them to check the status of your application and/or make any changes before you submit the application. Once submitted you cannot make changes but you can view your application.
  6. You will be asked to fill out a very general application form which is used for all MHC job applicants so it seems a little more formal then you might expect. Please do your best with it. Most important for us are your name, address, email, and all your telephone numbers. (Remember we might be trying to reach you during Spring Break.)
  7. After you have filled in and confirmed the general personal information, you will need to apply for the specific REU "job" posting. So select Search Postings and under job title select REU: Mathematics Summer Research Opportunity. Finally, select Apply for this posting. You will be asked to attach two required files.
    • Download and fill out a copy of our application form and submit it under Resume/CV.
    • Download an informal but legible transcript of your grades from your home institution and submit it under Other. If you cannot get an electronic form of your transcript please submit a file listing your courses (by semester taken) and grades and then arrange to have your informal transcript sent to us at: REU, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA 01075.
  8. If you run into any problems with this process you can email REU (reu@mtholyoke.edu).

    Prerequisites: We are generally looking for students between their junior and senior year in college. We want students to have taken the calculus sequence, linear algebra, and at least one course beyond these such as abstract algebra. Applicants are selected based on the courses they have taken, their grades, recommendations from faculty members, and the applicant's statement of interest. Minority students are especially encouraged to apply. Since our support comes from the National Science Foundation, the students supported by our program must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

    Stipend: $3,600 plus room.

    Dates: This year the program will run for the eight weeks from June 15th to August 7th. Students should plan to arrive on Sunday, June 14th.

    For more information, contact us by any of the above means.