YSU BUMP

Program Description:

The Youngstown State University Beginning Undergraduates' Mathematical research Preparation, YSU-BUMP is an introductory Research Experience for Undergraduate students. We are seeking students finishing their freshman or sophomore year who want to experience mathematical research by doing undergraduate research as part of a team. Meet the YSU-BUMP team here.

Program Goals:

YSU-BUMP is a program designed to give first or second year students the tools to become mathematically capable and confident individuals with superior undergraduate education and to prepare them for successful futures in industry and academia. YSU-BUMP students will conduct research as part of a team led by a faculty member while at the same time learning about the profession and getting close mentorship to help them succeed.

Our programs goals are:

1. Lead students across the bridge from directed learning 

   to independent learning and provide experiences and

   opportunities to think like mathematicians.

2. Prepare a diverse group of students become

   mathematically capable professionals in all different 

   STEM areas and possible career paths.

Program Dates:

YSU Bump will take place May 20th to June 28th, 2024. Accepted students will be required to attend and to be present at the YSU campus for the entire length of the program.

Program Details:

YSU-BUMP is a six week research program which will bring together 12 students divided into 3 different research projects. Students will receive a stipend of $3,000 for their participation in the program as well as up to $500 for travel to/from the REU site in Youngstown, Ohio. Housing in YSU dormitories will be provided as well as additional funds for meals. Students are expected to be present on campus during the entire program. We will have social activities planned for each weekend in the program. 

Mathematics and Statistics Projects:

Data Visualization: AI incidents and their impact

What does the research say about teaching mathematics?

When Wordplay meets Mathematical Logic

Eligibility:

Eligible students will be finishing their freshman or sophomore year (at a 2 or 4 year institution) and need to be currently enrolled at an undergraduate program. Due to funding restrictions we will only be taking students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants should have completed Calculus 2 (and introductory statistics if interested in the statistics project). For questions about eligibility, please contact ysubump@ysu.edu.

Selection:

We are looking for students who are enthusiastic and excited about mathematics which can be demonstrated in applicant’s personal statement. Ability to work with others and willingness to work hard are also essential. This program was designed for first- or second-year students (or those who just started their mathematical careers). If you are a more advanced student, we encourage you to apply to the many other REU who target junior/senior students.

How to apply:

We will be accepting applications through the NSF website LINK to ETAP Site between Jan 1st, 2024 and March 1st, 2024. The application will ask for:

1. Personal statement: Tell us a little bit about yourself and why are you applying to YSU-BUMP. Describe your experiences with mathematics and statistics. What do you think research is? What do you hope to get out of the program? What are your professional goals? (1-2 pages long)

2. A list of math/stats courses with grades.

3. A ranked list of the projects according to your preference (1 is most preferred)

Deadline:

March 1st, 2024. For more information, please email: ysubump@ysu.edu.