UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

The Department of Mathematics research experiences allow students to better understand published works, learn to collaborate, explore new interests, develop independent critical thinking skills with oral/written communication skills, discover their passion for research, and continue on to graduate studies.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESEARCH

(NOTE: You do not need to be a Math major/minor to take advantage of these research opportunities):

These courses provide a research experience in a familiar course setting. Topics vary every semester, but there is usually a Pure Mathematics and an Applied Mathematics oriented course every academic year. Enrollment in this class is by permission of the instructor only.

MATH 4800 - Undergraduate Research Topics

Spring 2027:	Topics in Geometric Toplogy
Instructor:	Priyam Patel, patelp@math.utah.edu
Day(s)/Time:	T/Th 9:10 - 10:30 AM
Location:	JWB 308
Course Credit:	3 credits
Compensation:	$500 (Note that this is a class, so regular tuition policies apply.) Available for degree-seeking University of Utah students.
Description:	This course will serve as an introduction to geometric topology and related fields like geometric group theory. Geometric topology is the study of manifolds and maps between them. We will focus on low-dimensional topology and in particular on surfaces. We will therefore cover topics like finite- and infinite-type surfaces, curves on surfaces, hyperbolic geometry, and homeomorphisms of surfaces, among others. Emphasis will be placed on collaborative work with peers and understanding what research level mathematics entails. Interested students should contact the instructor for admission to the course.
Prerequisites:	MATH 3220 or permission of the instructor.

Math 4800 class archive

*Applications are due the first Friday of each semester. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis as they come in.***

See below for instructions.

The student works with a faculty mentor on exploring an area of mathematics not usually taught in standard classes. Mentor and advisor meet weekly throughout the semester to discuss topics from relevant text or journal article readings. These projects may sometimes be appropriate as preludes to independent projects, in cases where the ultimate research area requires a lot of prerequisite knowledge. At the end of the semester, the student produces a final expository paper on aspects of their research.

Compensation:

Up to $1000 in Fall or Spring.

Up to $750 in the Summer.

Expectations:

During the semester meet regularly with mentor (at least weekly), and generate an expository paper summarizing what you learned. You are also encouraged to give a presentation in our symposium, which is usually held on the Reading Day before final exams begin.

Course Credit:

You may take Introduction to Research as a class (up to 3 credit hours). Please specify that in your application. (The course number will be 5910. Normal tuition policies apply. You can count this course towards university Upper Division Hour requirements, but not as an elective for your math/applied math major. Note that a section needs to be created for you and your mentor, so please apply early!).

Application Instructions:

See this file for instructions.

Applications are due the first Friday of each semester. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis as they come in.

See below for instructions.

Work on a research project in Mathematics under the mentorship of a faculty member. You must have a member of the Mathematics faculty who is willing to serve as your mentor. Discuss with the prospective mentor the scope and design of your project and prepare a project description.

*Compensation:*	Up to $1,500 for Fall and Spring semesters. For the Summer, the amounts are multiplied by 3/4. Continued funding depends on the student's performance in the previously funded REU activities.
*Expectations:*	Meet regularly with mentor, give a talk with slides, write a report, and submit an evaluation. Your work, presentation, and report will be evaluated by Mathematics faculty.
*Time Commitment:*	10 hours per week, on average

Application Instructions:

See this file for instructions.

Science Research Initiative (SRI)

The SRI offers College of Science students the opportunity to participate in discovery-based scientific research starting your first day on campus, with no prior research experience required.

You will gain research skills that will help you in science classes, learn with College of Science peers, and connect with faculty across the University. The SRI will jumpstart your path of academic success, and give you needed skills to prepare for an internship or a career - whether that's in a research lab, an office, or one of the many other opportunities open to our graduates.

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE SRI

The Department of Mathematics offers travel support for undergraduates who are presenting their research. Each award is for up to $600 and there will be a max of three awards per year. Apply now.

The Office of Undergraduate Research offers travel grants of up to $500.

REU SYMPOSIUM

These meetings are held at the end of semester and showcase the research that is being done by undergraduates in our department.

OTHER FUNDING SOURCES

The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research, provides awarded undergraduate scholars a $1,200 stipend and educational programming while they assist with a faculty member's research or creative project or who carry out a project of their own under the supervision of a faculty member. Students may apply for UROP any semester and may be eligible for a one-semester renewal.
Individual faculty members or research groups may sponsor undergraduate research through grants.