San Diego State University Mathematics Research Experience for Undergraduates
This eight-week summer program, supported by the National Science Foundation, aims to give its participants a clear understanding of the world of mathematics, primarily through firsthand experience. The dates of the 2025 program (subject to NSF approval) will be June 15-August 9.
Participants are grouped into research teams and led by the project directors. Teams engage in original research, of significant interest and potential impact. Participants receive a stipend and housing.
Expected participant outcomes include mastery of the problem area, appreciation of mathematical scholarship, improvement of technical speaking/writing skills, presentation of results at scholarly conferences, and publication of results in scholarly journals.
Some participant comments on an anonymous survey: "a life changing experience", "San Diego is a beautiful city", "the most influential event of my adult life", "a large positive on my career", "prepared me for my future life", "I knew I picked the right REU after the first week", "fun, educational, and professional", "accomplished meaningful and substantial research", "the greatest impact of any professional development activity that I've had[...] including earning my M.A.", "San Diego is great!", "My best summer so far", "thankful I got in and came".
An external reviewer, evaluating this program, wrote: "Students interested in summer research should have the SDSU REU near the top of their wish list."
A complete application consists of an application form and two letters of recommendation. To maximize your chances of acceptance, invite letter-writers who are professors of mathematics -- lecturers, grad students, professors of other subjects, are all less useful in evaluating your materials. Note: no transcripts are required.
All materials are due by Friday, February 28, 2025.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact the program director Vadim Ponomarenko (vponomarenko@sdsu.edu).