Missives

 

April 13

Dear Students of Mathematics,

I have been writing these weekly missives since at least the winter term of 2007. That was a long time ago -- before the pandemic, before the financial crisis of 2008, before any of you could diagonalize a (diagonalizable) two-by-two matrix, ... Next year I'll be on sabbatical, so not only is this the final missive of the 2022-2023 academic year, this will also be my final missive for a bit.

Speaking of final things, the final Math Club meeting of the semester traditionally features talks by your peers about their experiences in the Directed Reading Program. I hope you will be able to join Math Club at 4pm when Rose Gerson, Eric Khiu, and Alankar Shende will give their Directed Reading Presentations. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens today at 4PM Ann Arbor time in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!!!!!

All this talk of final things also reminds me: you have your own finals coming up. So: study well and remember alum and future Michigan postdoc Bar Roytman's admonishment: there is no math without COURAGE!

Some announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

Stay calm as you prepare for your finals (click here is you seek something more inspirational),

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Seniors.

Everyone.

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 


 
Legendary Missives

 

 

 

April 6

Dear Students of Mathematics,

At some point in your undergraduate career, perhaps when defining determinants or maybe in your abstract algebra or combinatorics courses, you learn about the symmetric group on n letters. Imagine that we take the symmetric group and create a (big!!) graph where (a) each vertex is labeled by an element of the symmetric group and (b) an edge connects two vertices if and only if the vertices' labels differ by a transposition of the form (k, k+1). What sort of graph would you get? Is it a tree? Does it have cycles? Does it have faces? Could something so abstract be useful in the real world?

To learn the answers to these questions and others, please plan to attend today's 4PM Math Club where Department Chair Tony Bloch will discuss Flows and Permutohedrons. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!!!!

Seniors: As your college days at Michigan come to a close, here is an opportunity to upload your favorite images for the Department's Graduation Ceremony on Friday, April 28 at 2:30 pm. Don't forget to RSVP here.

Many announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

Some graph theory from the movies (with a cuss word or two),

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

 

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

  • Rose-Hulman will host the 38th iteration of its annual Undergraduate Mathematics Conference on April 21st and 22nd. The deadline for free registration for the conference is April 7. If you will be attending the conference, please submit a Math T-shirt photo from Terre Haute, Indiana.
  • The Walking Club, which provides students of math with a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets at the Church Street entrance to the Math Atrium at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every weekday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. On Tuesday evenings they walk from 7:30 to 9 PM leaving from the Church Street Math Atrium Doors. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.

Opportunities:

  • The Rutgers Math Invitational will take place on Saturday, April 15, from 9:30am to 12:30pm in East Hall. Register here.
  • Math Mental Health Hour (MMHH) meets at EH 3096 on Friday, 4/7, from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. There will be cookies and pop!
  • Are you interested in being a Math grader for the spring and/or summer semesters? Please let us know by filling out this form, and you will be contacted in the next few weeks if there is a position for you.
  • I have heard nothing but good things about 826michigan from math people who decided to intern there. If you are a creative, hardworking individual then consider applying for an (unpaid) internship with 826michigan.
  • The Program on Intergroup Relations (IGR) is a social justice education program jointly sponsored by LSA and Student Life. IGR offers a minor that may be of interest to you. Moreover, their Intergroup Dialogue Facilitation Training course (ALA 320) still has spots available for the fall.
  • Let the University hear your voice! Be sure to complete the University of Michigan Asks You (UMAY) survey, the only student experience survey sent annually to all undergraduate students. It should have popped up in your inbox; I've not been told anything about it this year.
  • Graduating in Fall 2022, Winter 2023, or Spring/Summer 2023? All graduating Math Majors & Minors are invited to attend the Department of Mathematics Commencement Reception on Friday April 28. RSVP here.
  • Here is some information to consider as you decide what courses to take next fall. In Fall 20123 Math 351 (Principles of Analysis) and Math 490 (Introduction to Topology) will both be taught in an inquiry-based manner. This means that you will be guided, individually and in groups, to rediscover the basic principles of analysis and topology. The instructors may occasionally lecture, but the majority of the material will be presented by students in the courses. There will be no text for either course, and in fact, it is preferred that you not use any supplemental texts. The material of the courses will be developed through handouts and worksheets.
    • Math 351 covers the basic material of real analysis, including sequences, continuity, differentiability, and integration. The course is focused on developing your facility to write your own rigorous proofs and to critique the proofs of others. Math 217 or previous exposure to a course which contains an introduction to proof is a prerequisite.
    • Math 490 generalizes important concepts like continuity and compactness from the setting of real analysis into the more general settings of metric spaces and topological spaces. The prerequisite is Math 351, Math 451, or previous exposure to the material of real analysis.
    If you would like to take either of these courses, please place your name on the wait list.
  • The Department is holding an art competition to select the design that will replace the he beautiful winter scenes that the Brush Monkeys painted on the windows of the upper atrium. To enter, please send your submissions to: mathematics-upd@umich.edu.
  • Popcorn Thursdays happen in the Math Atrium at 2:30 on Thursdays. Enjoy popcorn while you do math and socialize!
  • Undergraduate Tea Time meets at the Nesbitt room (second floor math side of East Hall) every Tuesday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. This event is intended for undergraduate math students to unwind and socialize in a laid back environment. There will be card and board games! And of course, there will also be cookies and refreshments. 
  • All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for  Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!
  • Students now have access to free on-line counseling for mental health and wellness through Uwill. See this page for more information.

Careers.

  • Interested in being an actuary in Hong Kong? Then check out this Internship Portal. You may also be interested in learning about the Actuarial Society of Hong Kong's exam and education resources.
  • Urban Teachers urgently needs Math majors to provide high-quality math instruction for grades 6-12, to help close the achievement gap, and to serve as role models and mentors for students. Urban Teachers is a non-profit, teacher development organization that offers a paid opportunity for leaders to earn their masters in education and create direct impact in the communities and classrooms they serve. Apply here.
  • The Southern Teachers Agency (STA) helps hundreds of candidates find jobs at outstanding private & independent schools throughout the mid-Atlantic and South. Private schools value candidates who have participated in a teacher certification program, but have the flexibility to hire teachers with a strong academic background in mathematics who have not taken Education courses.
  • City Internships has openings in their summer programs in New York and London. Apply here.
  • Reminder: Nanyang Technological University in Singapore would like for you to take a look at their MSc program in Applied Economics.
  • The Mathematical Association of America hosts a career site. It has many job postings for undergraduate students of math, but it also has job postings for people with graduate degrees, so you need to work a little.
  • Whether you are a first year or an nth year, y'all need to set up a Handshake account. Do it right now. This is one way to figure out which end is up before you leave the cocoon we call college.
  • The United States government is often hiring actuaries, mathematicians, statisticians, data scientists. Check this site from time-to-time to see available positions.
  • The Institute for Broadening Participation serves as a clearing house for information on education and career training activities in the STEM disciplines. To search through their vast listings, please visit www.pathwaystoscience.org.
  • The LSA Opportunity Hub provides just that -- opportunities. 

 

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

 

March 30

Dear Students of Mathematics,

A great many people have discussed the unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics in all kinds of fields: the natural sciences, the football kind, economics, ... For some reason, we don't often discuss the timeless nature of mathematics -- while the foundations of other areas of human endeavor like biology, physics, chemistry, astronomy, and medicine are constantly changing, it is striking that the mathematics that was known to Archimedes, Hypatia, Newton, Germain, Gauss, Lovelace, ... is still true, relevant, and actively used today.

At today's 4PM Math Club U(M)'s Math Librarian Samuel Hansen will take up the timelessness of mathematics in his talk titled Don’t Call It A Comeback (I’ve Been Here for Years): The Timeless Nature of Mathematics Research! As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!!!

Special Announcement for SENIORS:

  • LAST CALL. The Department's annual Commencement ceremony features a few 6 to 8 minute addresses by a graduating student to the graduates, their families, and their friends. Past examples may be found at the bottom of this page. (Madison Cox's 2018 address makes me happy every time I watch it.) Please submit a six to eight hundred word draft of your speech to Annie Winkler before April 1. In addition to a nice line on your resume, any one chosen to be a speaker will receive an honorarium.

Many announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

Hypatia, the only philosopher to make it to The Good Place,

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

  • Reminder: Join the Math Corps at U(M)! The Math Corps helps to make the world a better place. It is a free summer camp for middle school students and high school mentors from the Ypsilanti area. We are looking to hire some college students to serve as College Instructors or College Assistants during our camp, which will run July 10 - Aug 11, 2023. More info can be found in the application - apply by April 14!! Please email Sarah Koch with any questions.

 

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

  • In October the Department of Mathematics at Duke will host GROW (Graduate Research Opportunities for Women), a conference for women and non-binary undergraduates considering pursuing graduate studies in the mathematical sciences. The dates of the conference are October 20-22. Duke is a great place for math t-shirt photos.
  • The Walking Club, which provides students of math with a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets at the Church Street entrance to the Math Atrium at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every weekday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. On Tuesday evenings they walk from 7:30 to 9 PM leaving from the Church Street Math Atrium Doors. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.

 

Opportunities:

  • The Organization of Latino Actuaries' (OLA) Academic Scholarships are open for the 2023-2024 academic year until April 15! This year, they will award up to $7,500 to each scholarship recipient. Apply here.
  • Short on cash? Then the annual UM Undergraduate Mathematics Competition may be just the thing you need. This year's competition will take place Saturday, April 1st from 1 to 4PM in B844 East Hall. Sign up here right now!
  • Undergraduate Mathematics Seminar. The University of Michigan undergraduate mathematics seminar consists of biweekly talks given by junior/senior undergraduates in mathematics. The target audience for these talks is the set of undergraduates who are familiar with the standard undergraduate curriculum including analysis, abstract algebra, and topology. The talks are on (alternate) Fridays 4-5pm in East Hall 3096 and will include a snack provided by SUMS! The organizers are really excited for the seminar and it should be very fun. If you would like to give a talk, please fill out this form https://forms.gle/ACCDAiFF3wia3N5B7. This week's talk will be given on Friday March 31st, is titled  “The Prime Number Theorem” and will be given by Xun Wang.
  • The Department is holding an art competition to select the design that will replace the he beautiful winter scenes that the Brush Monkeys painted on the windows of the upper atrium. To enter, please send your submissions to: mathematics-upd@umich.edu.
  • Popcorn Thursdays happen in the Math Atrium at 2:30 on Thursdays. Enjoy popcorn while you do math and socialize!
  • Undergraduate Tea Time meets at the Nesbitt room (second floor math side of East Hall) every Tuesday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. This event is intended for undergraduate math students to unwind and socialize in a laid back environment. There will be card and board games! And of course, there will also be cookies and refreshments. 
  • All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for  Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!
  • Students now have access to free on-line counseling for mental health and wellness through Uwill. See this page for more information.

Careers.

  • Know your way around a computer? Here is another career matching service: Techintern.io
  • Graduating soon? Interested in the social sciences? Want to get paid to go to school? Then check this out: The University of Chicago offers an MA program in Computational Social Science where you will learn how to devise innovative formal, statistical, and computational models to make important contributions across the social sciences. The goal of the program is to train students for elite-level PhD admission in Sociology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, History, and Anthropology.
  • The Mathematical Association of America hosts a career site. It has many job postings for undergraduate students of math, but it also has job postings for people with graduate degrees, so you need to work a little.
  • Whether you are a first year or an nth year, y'all need to set up a Handshake account. Do it right now. This is one way to figure out which end is up before you leave the cocoon we call college.
  • The United States government is often hiring actuaries, mathematicians, statisticians, data scientists. Check this site from time-to-time to see available positions.
  • The Institute for Broadening Participation serves as a clearing house for information on education and career training activities in the STEM disciplines. To search through their vast listings, please visit www.pathwaystoscience.org.
  • The LSA Opportunity Hub provides just that -- opportunities. 

 

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

 

 

March 23

Dear Students of Mathematics,

I grew up in western Kansas where there really isn't much in the way of water. In fact, there is, in some sense, negative amounts of water there. But, even in western Kansas it is known to flood, and so a system of levees and dams has been created to help manage the water when it shows up.

Ann Arbor is a very different place -- there is always water around. In fact, the Huron River and most of the creeks (e.g., Traver, Malletts, Allen's) in Ann Arbor are actively managed -- for example, Allen's Creek, which keeps the Big House from flooding, was put underground 97 years ago, and three of the 100 dams on the 130 mile long Huron River are in Ann Arbor.

On the morning walks, we got to talking about some of the mathematics that might be involved in managing this water. At today's 4PM Math Club I will discuss some of what we learned about this Dam Math! As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!!!

Special Announcement for SENIORS:

  • The Department's annual Commencement ceremony features a few 6 to 8 minute addresses by a graduating student to the graduates, their families, and their friends. Past examples may be found at the bottom of this page. (Madison Cox's 2018 address makes me happy every time I watch it.) Please submit a six to eight hundred word draft of your speech to Annie Winkler before April 1. In addition to a nice line on your resume, any one chosen to be a speaker will receive an honorarium.

Five Special Announcements for EVERYONE:

  • The math Undergraduate Student Advisory Committee will be hosting its second Game Night this Saturday, March 25 from 7 to 10 PM in the math upper atrium of East Hall. All are welcome! There will be board games, card games, and snacks. You are also welcome to bring your favorite games, and they need not be math related. You can join the UGSAC Discord server at this link: https://discord.gg/Mg7uWjP9
  • All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for  Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!
  • The Department is holding an art competition to select the design that will replace the he beautiful winter scenes that the Brush Monkeys painted on the windows of the upper atrium. To enter, please send your submissions to: mathematics-upd@umich.edu.
  • Popcorn Thursdays happen in the Math Atrium at 2:30 on Thursdays. Enjoy popcorn while you do math and socialize!
  • Undergraduate Tea Time meets at the Nesbitt room (second floor math side of East Hall) every Tuesday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. This event is intended for undergraduate math students to unwind and socialize in a laid back environment. There will be card and board games! And of course, there will also be cookies and refreshments. 
  • The Walking Club, which provides students of math with a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets at the Church Street entrance to the Math Atrium at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every weekday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. On Tuesday evenings they walk from 7:30 to 9 PM leaving from the Church Street Math Atrium Doors. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.

Many announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

More water math,

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

  • The K-20 Programs team in Engineering's Office of Culture, Community and Equity is hiring staff to support their high school summer engineering programs. There are a number of different positions open, and you may apply here. If you have any questions, please contact Eric Aiken.
  • Michigan's Comprehensive Studies Program (CSP) is looking to hire Summer Bridge Scholars Program Course Assistants. The application form may be found here.
  • In response to the record number of applications to their summer 2023 8-week work-based experiential education programs, City Internships has created additional availability in their core destinations. Interested students are encouraged to apply here.
  • Reminder: Join the Math Corps at U(M)! The Math Corps helps to make the world a better place. It is a free summer camp for middle school students and high school mentors from the Ypsilanti area. We are looking to hire some college students to serve as College Instructors or College Assistants during our camp, which will run July 10 - Aug 11, 2023. More info can be found in the application - apply by April 14!! Please email Sarah Koch with any questions.
  • SIAM has a list of contact information for internships, the ASA maintains a very long list of internships in the statistical sciences, and the AMS maintains a listing of internships and co-ops. 
  • A comprehensive list of mathematical REU programs in the U.S. may be found at this AMS web page. The NSF maintains a listing of the REUs it funds, and there are many in areas other than math.
  • There are various internships with the United States government available, but they don't make them easy to find. Go here and read the section titled "How do I know a job is open to Students & recent graduates?". Then follow instructions. Also try here.
  • And here is yet another listing of research/internship opportunities.

Opportunities:

  • Are you done with Math 217, but haven't yet declared? Then join the Math Declaration Party on Monday March 27 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm in the Math Atrium! There will be donuts!
  • Short on cash? Then the annual UM Undergraduate Mathematics Competition may be just the thing you need. This year's competition will take place Saturday, April 1st from 1 to 4PM in B844 East Hall. Sign up soon here.
  • Looking for a challenge? Then check out Agorize's platform of open innovation challenges.
  • The Yale Policy Institute is organizing a Global Policy Conference and Hackathon over the weekends of April 1-2 and April 7-9. They think their topics and speakers may be of interest to Students of Mathematics. To register as an individual, click here. To register as a partial or full team, click here. Registration is due by Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 11:59PM EST. 
  • Some of you are very artistic -- I've seen the doodles you make in your notes! Check this comic contest out.
  • Students now have access to free on-line counseling for mental health and wellness through Uwill. See this page for more information.

Careers.

 

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

March 16

Dear Students of Mathematics,

I think y'all have probably made paper snowflakes at some point in your life. One can take the art form much further to create intricate and oh my goodness beautiful paper cuttings. As with most art, there are some pretty interesting mathematical questions one can ask about paper cutting.

One such question is: If we can fold the paper however we like and are allowed one cut, then what designs can we create? To learn the surprising answer to this question, be sure to attend today's 4PM Math Club talk where you can learn to Fold & Cut with Jenny Wilson. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!!

Special Announcements:

  • The Undergraduate Student Advisory Committee (UGSAC) will be hosting a mass peer advising session for undergraduates in mathematics on Monday, 3/20, from 7:30pm to 9:30pm Ann Arbor time, in the upper (math) atrium. Fill out this form if you intend on attending or advising: https://forms.gle/G56GJ8svyb4xkUzL6. There will be cookies and pop!

Many announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

Another song about pi,

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

  • This summer the Polymath program will run between June 20 - August 13, taking place entirely online. Each participant can decide what they want their level of involvement in the program to be. Applications are due April 1.
  • Have you scored an internship for the summer term, but really need some cash to help make ends meet? The LSA Internship Scholarship for current students provides scholarships for spring and summer terms to qualified LSA students who have demonstrated financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid.
  • Reminder: Join the Math Corps at U(M)! The Math Corps helps to make the world a better place. It is a free summer camp for middle school students and high school mentors from the Ypsilanti area. We are looking to hire some college students to serve as College Instructors or College Assistants during our camp, which will run July 10 - Aug 11, 2023. More info can be found in the application - apply by April 14!! Please email Sarah Koch with any questions.
  • Reminder: The Michigan Math and Science Scholars camp is still looking for summer counselors; this is an excellent way to support yourself and stay in beautiful Ann Arbor. Applications are now being accepted.
  • SIAM has a list of contact information for internships, the ASA maintains a very long list of internships in the statistical sciences, and the AMS maintains a listing of internships and co-ops. 
  • A comprehensive list of mathematical REU programs in the U.S. may be found at this AMS web page. The NSF maintains a listing of the REUs it funds, and there are many in areas other than math.
  • There are various internships with the United States government available, but they don't make them easy to find. Go here and read the section titled "How do I know a job is open to Students & recent graduates?". Then follow instructions. Also try here.
  • And here is yet another listing of research/internship opportunities.

Opportunities:

  • Short on cash? Then the annual UM Undergraduate Mathematics Competition may be just the thing you need. This year's competition will take place Saturday, April 1st from 1 to 4PM in B844 East Hall. Sign up soon here.
  • Inspired by Polymath projects, collaborative on-line math projects instigated by prominent mathematicians such as Tim Gowers and Terence Tao, CrowdMath is inviting undergraduates to participate along with high school students in an on-line collaboration to solve open problems in mathematics.
  • Undergraduate Mathematics Seminar. The University of Michigan undergraduate mathematics seminar consists of biweekly talks given by junior/senior undergraduates in mathematics. The target audience for these talks is undergraduates familiar with the standard undergraduate curriculum including analysis, abstract algebra, and topology. The talks are on (alternate) Fridays 4-5pm in East Hall 3096 and will include a snack provided by SUMS! The organizers are really excited for the seminar and it should be very fun. If you would like to give a talk, please fill out this form https://forms.gle/ACCDAiFF3wia3N5B7. This week's talk will be given on Friday March 17th, and is titled  “Metric Diophantine Approximation on S-Arithmetic Groups,” and to be given by Justin Liu.
  • The Purdue Math Club invites you to an on-line Intercollegiate Math Club Event on March 25th. The Event will feature student talks, seminars and workshops, grad school discussions, and social activities. If interested, please complete this form.
  • Seniors: The Department's annual Commencement ceremony features a 6 to 8 minute address by a graduating student to the graduates, their families, and their friends. Please submit a six to eight hundred word draft of your speech to Annie Winkler before April 1. In addition to a nice line on your resume, any one chosen to be a speaker will receive an honorarium.
  • Students now have access to free on-line counseling for mental health and wellness through Uwill. See this page for more information.
  • Undergraduate Tea Time meets at the Nesbitt room (second floor math side of East Hall) every Tuesday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. This event is intended for undergraduate math students to unwind and socialize in a laid back environment. There will be card and board games! And of course, there will also be cookies and refreshments. 
  • Reminder: Every year the Mathematics Department nominates undergraduate students for various internal and external prizes including the Goldstein Prizes, the Frank and Brennie Morgan Prize for Outstanding Research by an Undergraduate Student, the Wirt and Mary Cornwell Prize, and the Alice T. Schafer Mathematics Prize. If you are a sophomore, junior, or senior, have a GPA of 3.9 or above, and would like to be considered for these prizes, then please submit a CV and a list of math/science references to the undergraduate office (2082 East Hall). 
  • Reminder: Popcorn Thursdays are back! Be sure to show up in the Atrium at 2:30 on Thursdays to enjoy popcorn while you study and socialize
  • Reminder: Bagel Sundays. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!
  • Reminder: You may have noticed the beautiful winter scenes that the Brush Monkeys painted on the windows of the upper atrium. Since winter will eventually end, the Department is holding an art competition to select the design that the Brush Monkeys will next paint on the windows. To enter, please send your submissions to: mathematics-upd@umich.edu.

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

  • We don't have any math t-shirt pictures from inside Ross. Here's your big chance: The annual Michigan Impact Investing Symposium (MIIS) is taking place on March 26 at the Ross School of Business. MIIS is a conference that allows attendees to learn more about the impact investing and social impact space from distinguished members of the community. This event is open to all members of the Michigan community, free of charge. Lunch will be provided and will feature a networking reception. Please RSVP here.
  • The Program on Intergroup Relations (IGR) is a social justice education program jointly sponsored by LSA and Student Life. IGR offers a minor that be of interest to you.
  • The U(M) alumni association brings you free bagels and coffee every Wednesday morning. Awesome!
  • Reminder: The Walking Club, which provides students of math with a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets at the Church Street entrance to the Math Atrium at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every weekday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. On Tuesday evenings they walk from 7:30 to 9 PM leaving from the Church Street Math Atrium Doors. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.

Careers.

 

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

 

March 9

Dear Students of Mathematics,

Next Tuesday is Pi Day!  In anticipation of Pi Day, I was listening to Kaplansky perform Kaplansky's ditty titled A Song about Pi.  When she sang that "a circle doesn't have a beginning or an end", it reminded me of the Three Gap Problem, which was a favorite of my PhD advisor, Paul Sally, Jr.:

Let 𝑁 be a positive integer, 𝜃 an angle in (0, 2𝜋), and 𝑆1 the unit circle. Consider the map 𝑓 from the set {0, 1, 2, ... , 𝑁} to 𝑆1, defined by 𝑓(𝑘) = 𝑘𝜃 mod 2𝜋. Show that the image of 𝑓 divides 𝑆1 into arcs of exactly 1, 2, or 3 different lengths.

It turns out that this problem is related to today's 4PM Math Club talk by Ahmad Barhoumi on The sequence nα mod 1. So, be sure to check it out! As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!!

Special Announcements:

  • Students now have access to free on-line counseling for mental health and wellness through Uwill. See this page for more information.
  • Math Mental Health Hour (MMHH) meets at EH 3096 on Friday, 3/10, from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. There will be cookies and pop!
  • The Undergraduate Student Advisory Committee (UGSAC) will be hosting a mass peer advising session for undergraduates in mathematics on Monday, 3/20, from 7:30pm to 9:30pm Ann Arbor time, in the upper (math) atrium. Fill out this form if you intend on attending or advising: https://forms.gle/G56GJ8svyb4xkUzL6. There will be cookies and pop!
  • Undergraduate Tea Time meets at the Nesbitt room (second floor math side of East Hall) every Tuesday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. This event is intended for undergraduate math students to unwind and socialize in a laid back environment. There will be card and board games! And of course, there will also be cookies and refreshments. 

Many announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

A wonderful clip from a wonderful movie (which was based on an even better book),

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

  • The MaCSS Scholars Program is hiring an undergraduate assistant for their summer institute (May 22 - June 16). They are looking for a student with strong coding chops, experience with mathematical proof, and teaching or tutoring experience to join their instructional team. The participants in the summer institute are math, statistics, and computer science majors at UM in the early stages of their major coursework; many are transfer students. The dates are May 22 - June 16. See way more details in their job description and application form. Please submit your application by March 25.
  • The Summer Institute in Survey Research Techniques Diversity Fellowship is a two-week program  (July 10-21, 2023) geared toward upper-level undergraduates offered through the 2023 Summer Institute for Survey Research Techniques. They will hold information session on Monday, March 20, 2023 from 3-4pm.  Advanced registration is required.
  • UNC Charlotte is hosting a math REU. The application is open from March 1-March 15 and details may be found at https://Charlottesville/math-research/.
  • Willis Towers Watson (WTW) has full time and internship opportunities for Mathematics, Statistics, or Economics majors. Look here for postings.
  • Join the Math Corps at U(M)! The Math Corps helps to make the world a better place. It is a free summer camp for middle school students and high school mentors from the Ypsilanti area. We are looking to hire some college students to serve as College Instructors or College Assistants during our camp, which will run July 11 - Aug 12, 2022 (in person!). More info can be found in the application - apply by April 15!! Please email Sarah Koch with any questions.
  • Reminder: The Michigan Math and Science Scholars camp is still looking for summer counselors; this is an excellent way to support yourself and stay in beautiful Ann Arbor. Applications are now being accepted.
  • SIAM has a list of contact information for internships, the ASA maintains a very long list of internships in the statistical sciences, and the AMS maintains a listing of internships and co-ops. 
  • A comprehensive list of mathematical REU programs in the U.S. may be found at this AMS web page. The NSF maintains a listing of the REUs it funds, and there are many in areas other than math.
  • There are various internships with the United States government available, but they don't make them easy to find. Go here and read the section titled "How do I know a job is open to Students & recent graduates?". Then follow instructions. Also try here.
  • And here is yet another listing of research/internship opportunities.

Opportunities:

  • Midwest Terminal is a games-based AI challenge, where players code strategies to automate gameplay, and top performing students have the opportunity to win $15,000 in cash prizes along with exclusive recruiting opportunities with Citadel (both internships and full-time roles). The events are completely free and invite only. 
  • Jane Street is coming to Ann Arbor! They will be hosting a dinner on Thursday, March 16th @ 6:00pm ET! Students of all backgrounds and tenures are encouraged to attend - you don't need experience in finance to work at Jane Street. We hope to meet intellectually curious problem solvers! Please sign up here by Tuesday, March 14th, if you're interested in attending. We will confirm attendees by EOD on Wednesday, March 15th - they hope to see you there!
  • Seniors: The Department's annual Commencement ceremony features a 6 to 8 minute address by a graduating student to the graduates, their families, and their friends. Please submit a six to eight hundred word draft of your speech to Annie Winkler before April 1. In addition to a nice line on your resume, any one chosen to be a speaker will receive an honorarium.
  • The undergraduate student advisory committee (UGSAC) to the math department will be meeting this Sunday March 12th from 2pm-3pm in the East Hall 3866. They will be discussing the mass peer advising event that the committee is organizing on March 20th, and they'll also be discussing of the ongoing GEO negotiations with HR. UGSAC provides a direct line of communication between undergraduate voices and the math department itself, particularly concerning the climate of the department and DEI issues. UGSAC is also in charge of hosting some of the department's peer support events, such as Math Mental Health Hour and peer advising. They'd love to hear from you and what you think about the math department, what it's doing right, and how it could be better!! If you're interested in being added to the email list / discord server for UGSAC please email Faye at alephnil@umich.edu. 
  • The Lathisms Scholarship aims to support Hispanic/Latinx students interested in pursuing a career focused on mathematical sciences.
  • The Organization of Latino Actuaries' (OLA) Academic Scholarships are open for the 2023-2024 academic year! This year, we will award up to $7,500 to each scholarship recipient. Apply here.
  • Thinking you might like to use your math skills to pursue questions in physics, but don't know much physics? Check out PSI Bridge! This is a free part-time online program designed to supplement the final year of a degree program or facilitate the transition from full-time work to graduate school. From May to December (with a break in August), participants should expect to spend approximately 5 to 10 hours per week on the program. Of that time, one or two hours per week will be virtual meetings with other participants, the mini-course instructors, or other Perimeter Institute staff, faculty, or students. Three to eight hours should be reserved each week for independent study.
  • The University of Michigan Science Olympiad Club is looking for volunteers to help run its fifth annual Science Olympiad tournament on North Campus on March 18, 2023. Sign up to volunteer here.
  • Gresham College is hosting a lecture series on  Unexpected Mathematical Lives. This three-part series will look at the mathematical achievements of Sir Christopher Wren, Florence Nightingale and Alan Turing.
  • The Detroit Partnership is organizing virtual Detroit Partnership Days where volunteers will have the opportunity to engage in one of three pathways (Housing, Environmental Education, and Social Justice). In each pathway, volunteers will hear about the topic from speakers from Detroit, participate in virtual philanthropy, and engage in reflection sessions. This year, the event will take place April 1. Send an email to dpdayinfo@gmail.com for more information.
  • Need funding for your student organization? Check out the Student Organization Funding Committee (SOFC)! SOFC is the branch of the Central Student Government tasked with distributing funds to University-registered student organizations. To learn how to access these funds and apply for one of their final four waves of the semester, check out their website.
  • Computer Science.org has a list of scholarships they would like for you to check out.
  • Reminder: Every year the Mathematics Department nominates undergraduate students for various internal and external prizes including the Goldstein Prizes, the Frank and Brennie Morgan Prize for Outstanding Research by an Undergraduate Student, the Wirt and Mary Cornwell Prize, and the Alice T. Schafer Mathematics Prize. If you are a sophomore, junior, or senior, have a GPA of 3.9 or above, and would like to be considered for these prizes, then please submit a CV and a list of math/science references to the undergraduate office (2082 East Hall). 
  • Reminder: Popcorn Thursdays are back! Be sure to show up in the Atrium at 2:30 on Thursdays to enjoy popcorn while you study and socialize
  • Bagel Sundays. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!
  • Reminder: You may have noticed the beautiful winter scenes that the Brush Monkeys painted on the windows of the upper atrium. Since winter will eventually end, the Department is holding an art competition to select the design that the Brush Monkeys will next paint on the windows. To enter, please send your submissions to: mathematics-upd@umich.edu.

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

  • We still have no math T-shirt photos from the Sweetland Writing Center. What could be more fantastic than the one-two combination of excellent math skills and excellent writing skills? The Sweetland Writing Center's Minor in Writing provides the perfect vehicle for obtaining the latter. Applications due soon; look here for more information.
  • Reminder: The Walking Club, which provides students of math with a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets at the Church Street entrance to the Math Atrium at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every weekday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. On Tuesday evenings they walk from 7:30 to 9 PM leaving from the Church Street Math Atrium Doors. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.

Careers.

 

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

 

 

February 23

Dear Students of Mathematics,

Ah, winter break, the week that partitions the semester neatly into two parts, is finally here -- hurrah! What will you do with your nine days off? Will you circle back to relearn the math of January and February? Or will you escape this wintry space for sun and warmth?

Speaking of circles, space, and partitions, be sure to attend today's 4PM Math Club where Mattias Jonsson will discuss Partitions of space into circles. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!!

While you are out next week scouting locations for your contribution to the Where Has Your Math T-shirt Been collection, here are some opportunities that landed in my in-box this week:

Be sure to have fun,

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

February 16

Dear Students of Mathematics,

I asked ChatGPT for some words about today's Math Club talk, and here is what it had to say:

The word problem and the isoperimetric problem are both mathematical concepts that have been studied for centuries. The word problem is a fundamental question in group theory that asks whether a specific group can be generated by a set of given generators, while the isoperimetric problem concerns the optimal shape and size of a closed curve or surface that encloses a given area or volume. The isoperimetric problem has applications in physics, geometry, and other areas of mathematics, and has been studied by some of the greatest minds in the field. The word problem, on the other hand, is primarily of interest to researchers in group theory and has important implications for computer science and cryptography. Despite their differences, both problems highlight the power and beauty of mathematics and the enduring quest to understand the underlying structure of the universe.

That's not bad, though its attitude toward algebra could improve. To hear some words about these problems from a real person, please attend today's 4PM Math Club where Teddy Weisman will will discuss the word problem and the isoperimetric problem. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!!

Reminder: Sometimes we just need to talk to someone. If you are feeling overwhelmed by recent events, your studies, or life in general, remember that the University has resources available for students. For example, you can reach Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) by calling 734-764-8312, emailing caps-uofm@umich.edu or visiting caps.umich.edu.

Many announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

ChatGPT had no problem with this directive,

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

  • This summer the Polymath program will run between June 20 - August 13, taking place entirely online. Each participant can decide what they want their level of involvement in the program to be.
  • The Center for Computation & Technology at Louisiana State University is accepting applications for its 2023 REU Program in Computational Sciences.
  • UNC Charlotte is hosting a math REU program. The application is open from February 1 to March 15 and details can be found here.
  • I've been asked to remind you: UCLA's B.I.G. Summer Research Program in Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Systems Biology combines workshops in big data analysis with research experiences in diverse areas of quantitative and computational biosciences. Apply soon.
  • SIAM has a list of contact information for internships, the ASA maintains a very long list of internships in the statistical sciences, and the AMS maintains a listing of internships and co-ops. 
  • A comprehensive list of mathematical REU programs in the U.S. may be found at this AMS web page. The NSF maintains a listing of the REUs it funds, and there are many in areas other than math.
  • There are various internships with the United States government available, but they don't make them easy to find. Go here and read the section titled "How do I know a job is open to Students & recent graduates?". Then follow instructions. Also try here.
  • And here is yet another listing of research/internship opportunities.

Opportunities:

  • We now have composting in East Hall! Please place ALL food waste, paper towel, coffee grounds, and any containers/kitchenware that clearly say "compostable" on them. Because this material is not sorted at the facility, it's critical to ONLY place compostable items in the bin. THIS short "Where to Throw" quiz can help you learn what items go into which bin. 
  • The Pamela J. MacKintosh Undergraduate Research Awards Committee is accepting student research award applications, now through May 1, 2023. These awards recognize undergraduate students who have conducted outstanding library research during Fall 2022, or Winter 2023, or across these two semesters. More information on the awards and application process can be found here.
  • F.E.M.M.E.S. This is an excellent organization. Usually, I advertise many of their programs in the missive. However, they are filling their opportunities so quickly that I've not yet had a chance! So, I recommend that you go check the organization directly.
  • The University has created the Office of National Scholarships and Fellowships to recruit, prepare, and nominate students for the major national scholarships such as the Rhodes, Marshall, Gates Cambridge, Truman, Churchill, Goldwater, and many more. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please get yourself over to 1330 Mason Hall for a discussion.
  • The U(M) alumni association brings you free bagels and coffee most every Wednesday morning. Awesome!
  • Every year the Mathematics Department nominates undergraduate students for various internal and external prizes including the Goldstein Prizes, the Frank and Brennie Morgan Prize for Outstanding Research by an Undergraduate Student, the Wirt and Mary Cornwell Prize, and the Alice T. Schafer Mathematics Prize. If you are a sophomore, junior, or senior, have a GPA of 3.9 or above, and would like to be considered for these prizes, then please submit a CV and a list of math/science references to the undergraduate office (2082 East Hall). Soon.
  • Reminder: Popcorn Thursdays are back! Be sure to show up in the Atrium at 2:30 on Thursdays to enjoy popcorn while you study and socialize.
  • Reminder: Graduating this winter or summer? Keep your parents happy by applying for graduation by March 6. If you don't apply before March 6, then your name WILL NOT appear in the program book.
  • Bagel Sundays. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!
  • The undergraduate student advisory committee (UGSAC) to the math department will be meeting Sunday February 19th from 2:00pm-3pm in the East Hall 3096. UGSAC provides a direct line of communication between undergraduate voices and the math department itself, particularly concerning the climate of the department and DEI issues. UGSAC is also in charge of hosting some of the department's peer support events, such as Math Mental Health Hour and peer advising. We'd love to hear from you and what you think about the math department, what it's doing right, and how it could be better!! If you're interested in being added to the email list / discord server for UGSAC please email Faye at alephnil@umich.edu. Looking forward to hearing from you :)
  • Undergraduate Tea Time meets at the Nesbitt room every Tuesday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. This event is intended for undergraduate math students to unwind and socialize in a laid back environment. There will be card and board games! And of course, there will also be cookies and refreshments. 
  • Undergraduate Mathematics Seminar. The University of Michigan undergraduate mathematics seminar consists of biweekly talks given by junior/senior undergraduates in mathematics. The target audience for these talks is undergraduates familiar with the standard undergraduate curriculum including analysis, abstract algebra, and topology. The talks are on (alternate) Fridays 4-5pm in East Hall 3096 and will include a snack provided by SUMS! The organizers are really excited for the seminar and it should be very fun. If you would like to give a talk, please fill out this form https://forms.gle/ACCDAiFF3wia3N5B7. This week's talk will be given on Friday February 3rd and is titled "An Improvised Introduction to Infinite Ideas."

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

  • Reminder: The Walking Club, which provides students of math with a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets at the Church Street entrance to the Math Atrium at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every weekday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. On Tuesday evenings they walk from 7:30 to 9 PM leaving from the Church Street Math Atrium Doors. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.
  • Reminder: The 2023 Big Heart Blood Battle competition against Michigan State, Penn State, and Wisconsin runs until February 22nd. This is an excellent opportunity for a math t-shirt photo.

Careers.

 

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

 

February 9

Dear Students of Mathematics,

Valentine's Day is next Tuesday. This is traditionally a time for students of mathematics to head over to Yost for some ice skating, go dancing, try their hand at poetry, and misuse bell curves.

Speaking of bell curves, today's 4PM Math Club features Bradley Zykoski speaking on The elusive bell curve. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!!

Special Announcements:

  • The Undergraduate Student Advisory Committee will be hosting a Game Night this Saturday, February 11 from 7 to 9 PM in the math upper atrium in East Hall. All are welcome! There will be board games, card games, and snacks. You are also welcome to bring your favorite games, and they need not be math related. You can join the UGSAC Discord server at this link: https://discord.gg/chmKK5ry

Many announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

Math alumnus Kal Nanes (second from left) with some Valentine's inspiration,

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

  • Sophomores: Deutsch Bank is opening early applications for our Sales & Trading and Investment Banking Summer 2023 internships (due March 18). They have a number of Michigan student grads in the program. Two positions: Sales and Trading or Investment Banking.
  • The Honors Program hires Academic Peer Advisors every summer. Check out this page for more information.
  • The International Center also hires Academic Peer Advisors for the summer. Here are last year's advisors. I'm not sure of their hiring process, so I suggest you contact the International Center if interested serving as a peer advisor.
  • Google announces its 2023 Summer of Code. This is a global, online program focused on bringing new contributors into open source software development. Contributors work with an open source organization on a 12 (or more!) week programming project under the guidance of mentors.
  • Professor Ryan T. White of the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) in Melbourne, Florida would like for you to apply for their REU on Statistical Models With Applications To Geoscience. There are some cool projects here.
  • I've been asked to remind you: Columbia Business School is seeking outstanding applicants for its 2023 Summer Research Internship program. They have had good luck with students of math from Michigan. The highly selective program provides an intellectually stimulating environment and exposes students to the world of business research.
  • Reminder: The Michigan Math and Science Scholars camp is still looking for summer counselors; this is an excellent way to support yourself and stay in beautiful Ann Arbor. Applications are now being accepted.
  • Reminder:
  • SIAM has a list of contact information for internships, the ASA maintains a very long list of internships in the statistical sciences, and the AMS maintains a listing of internships and co-ops. 
  • A comprehensive list of mathematical REU programs in the U.S. may be found at this AMS web page. The NSF maintains a listing of the REUs it funds, and there are many in areas other than math.
  • There are various internships with the United States government available, but they don't make them easy to find. Go here and read the section titled "How do I know a job is open to Students & recent graduates?". Then follow instructions. Also try here.
  • And here is yet another listing of research/internship opportunities.

Opportunities:

  • Have you had an excellent advising experience at Michigan? If so, here is an opportunity to recognize your advisor.
  • Sigma Xi's Grants In Aid of Research program is accepting applications.
  • The undergraduate student advisory committee (UGSAC) to the math department will be meeting Sunday February 19th from 2:00pm-3pm in the East Hall 3096. UGSAC provides a direct line of communication between undergraduate voices and the math department itself, particularly concerning the climate of the department and DEI issues. UGSAC is also in charge of hosting some of the department's peer support events, such as Math Mental Health Hour and peer advising. We'd love to hear from you and what you think about the math department, what it's doing right, and how it could be better!! If you're interested in being added to the email list / discord server for UGSAC please email Faye at alephnil@umich.edu. Looking forward to hearing from you :)
  • Undergraduate Tea Time meets at the Nesbitt room every Tuesday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. This event is intended for undergraduate math students to unwind and socialize in a laid back environment. There will be card and board games! And of course, there will also be cookies and refreshments. 
  • Undergraduate Mathematics Seminar. The University of Michigan undergraduate mathematics seminar consists of biweekly talks given by junior/senior undergraduates in mathematics. The target audience for these talks is undergraduates familiar with the standard undergraduate curriculum including analysis, abstract algebra, and topology. The talks are on (alternate) Fridays 4-5pm in East Hall 3096 and will include a snack provided by SUMS! The organizers are really excited for the seminar and it should be very fun. If you would like to give a talk, please fill out this form https://forms.gle/ACCDAiFF3wia3N5B7. This week's talk will be given on Friday February 3rd and is titled "An Improvised Introduction to Infinite Ideas."
  • CAPS and CoE are sponsoring a Mr. Rogers themed Play Day on Valentine's Day from 1 to 3 pm on North Campus.
  • Budapest Semester in Mathematics Education is now taking applications for their summer program.
  • I have heard nothing but good things about 826michigan from math people who decided to intern there. If you are a creative, hardworking individual then consider applying for an (unpaid) internship with 826michigan.
  • Every year the Mathematics Department nominates undergraduate students for various internal and external prizes including the Goldstein Prizes, the Frank and Brennie Morgan Prize for Outstanding Research by an Undergraduate Student, the Wirt and Mary Cornwell Prize, and the Alice T. Schafer Mathematics Prize. If you are a sophomore, junior, or senior, have a GPA of 3.9 or above, and would like to be considered for these prizes, then please submit a CV and a list of math/science references to the undergraduate office (2082 East Hall). Soon.
  • Reminder: Popcorn Thursdays are back! Be sure to show up in the Atrium at 2:30 on Thursdays to enjoy popcorn while you study and socialize.
  • Reminder: Graduating this winter or summer? Keep your parents happy by applying for graduation by March 6. If you don't apply before March 6, then your name WILL NOT appear in the program book.
  • Bagel Sundays. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

  • I've been asked to remind you: the annual Drake Symposium, a two-day event geared towards actuarial science students and sponsored by the SOA and CAS, will be held in Des Moines, Iowa the weekend of April 14 and 15. There is also a case competition.
  • Reminder: The Walking Club, which provides students of math with a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets at the Church Street entrance to the Math Atrium at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every weekday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. On Tuesday evenings they walk from 7:30 to 9 PM leaving from the Church Street Math Atrium Doors. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.
  • Reminder: The 2023 Big Heart Blood Battle competition against Michigan State, Penn State, and Wisconsin runs until February 22nd. This is an excellent opportunity for a math t-shirt photo.

Careers.

 

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

 

 

February 2

Dear Students of Mathematics,

Now that winter has finally decided to show up (and just in time for ground hog day!), I remind you that (1) going outside, (2) being active, and (3) talking with people are three great ways to fight the wintertime blues. You can accomplish all three of these things in one fell swoop by joining the Walking Club from time to time. Here is the walk schedule:

  • Every weekday: 6:05 am at the Church Street entrance to the Math Atrium. We return at 7:30 am.
  • Sundays: 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwater in Kerrytown. Return around 10:15 am.
  • Tuesdays: 7:30 pm at the Church Street entrance to the Math Atrium. Return at 9:00 pm.

Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location. We do not walk if the windchill falls below -9 degrees Fahrenheit.

Speaking of talking and walking, at today's 4PM Math Club the peripatetic Som Phene will lead a discussion titled Walkie-Talkie. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!

Special Announcements:

  • Undergraduate Tea Time meets at the Nesbitt room every Tuesday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. This event is intended for undergraduate math students to unwind and socialize in a laid back environment. There will be card and board games! And of course, there will also be cookies and refreshments. 
  • Undergraduate Mathematics Seminar. The University of Michigan undergraduate mathematics seminar consists of biweekly talks given by junior/senior undergraduates in mathematics. The target audience for these talks is undergraduates familiar with the standard undergraduate curriculum including analysis, abstract algebra, and topology. The talks are on (alternate) Fridays 4-5pm in East Hall 3096 and will include a snack provided by SUMS! The organizers are really excited for the seminar and it should be very fun. If you would like to give a talk, please fill out this form https://forms.gle/ACCDAiFF3wia3N5B7. This week's talk will be given on Friday February 3rd and is titled "An Improvised Introduction to Infinite Ideas."

All sorts of announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

A strange place to go walking,

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

Opportunities:

  • Will you be traveling to Korea this summer to attend a conference, participate in research, or otherwise engage in academic activities while snapping a photo of yourself in a Math T-shirt? The SeAH Haiam Arts and Sciences Scholarship provides up to $2,500 to support such travel. The application deadline is March 1.
  • The Purdue Math Club invites you to an on-line Intercollegiate Math Club Event on March 25th. The Event will feature student talks, seminars and workshops, grad school discussions, and social activities. If interested, please complete this form.
  • The U(M) chapter of the non-profit student organization Students Helping Honduras seeks to alleviate gang violence and extreme poverty in Honduras through youth education and empowerment with the goal of building 1,000 schools. They are currently working to support school #66 and are sending members to Honduras over this upcoming Spring Break. See this flyer for more information.
  • The Voyager Scholarship: Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service is being offered again this year for rising juniors in the United States who are interested in interning abroad before embarking on a career in public service. The application is due in March.
  • Study.com wants to help empower women by helping them reach their education goals. To do that, they're offering several Study.com Student Scholarships for women pursuing college degrees.
  • Semester in Detroit – Fall Term. Semester in Detroit transforms U-M students through reciprocal relationships with the people, organizations, and neighborhoods of Detroit. It also provides an excellent source for math T-shirt photos. Application deadline is in early March.
  • Every year the Mathematics Department nominates undergraduate students for various internal and external prizes including the Goldstein Prizes, the Frank and Brennie Morgan Prize for Outstanding Research by an Undergraduate Student, the Wirt and Mary Cornwell Prize, and the Alice T. Schafer Mathematics Prize. If you are a sophomore, junior, or senior, have a GPA of 3.9 or above, and would like to be considered for these prizes, then please submit a CV and a list of math/science references to the undergraduate office (2082 East Hall). Soon.
  • Reminder: Popcorn Thursdays are back! Be sure to show up in the Atrium at 2:30 on Thursdays to enjoy popcorn while you study and socialize.
  • Reminder: Graduating this winter or summer? Keep your parents happy by applying for graduation by March 6. If you don't apply before March 6, then your name WILL NOT appear in the program book.
  • Bagel Sundays. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

Careers.

 

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

January 26

Dear Students of Mathematics,

The snow has finally arrived; hurrah!   I am a huge fan of Simon Beck's snow art; maybe you could make some art of your own with our new snow!  I think a snow lattice would be perfect.

Speaking of lattices, at today's 4PM Math Club the indomitable Asaf Katz will discuss The unreasonable effectiveness of lattices in number theory! As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!

Special Announcement:

  • Popcorn Thursdays return today! Be sure to show up in the Atrium at 2:30 on Thursdays to enjoy popcorn while you study and socialize.

All sorts of announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

Simon Beck is amazing!

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

  • The Edge Program invites women who will be attending math graduate school in the fall to join them in Providence for four weeks this summer. The goal of the program is to strengthen the ability of women students to successfully complete graduate programs in the mathematical sciences, with particular emphasis on women from underrepresented groups. Applications are due February 15.
  • The REU Modern topics in pure and applied mathematics will be held at the University of Maryland in Summers 2023 and 2024. Application Deadline: February 20.
  • The Michigan REU continues to accept applications.    Applications are due February 3.
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a whole slew of summer research opportunities. Check them out here. I think you apply for them here.
  • Are you interested in the social, behavioral, and economic sciences? Then perhaps the 2023 Summer Research Initiative (SRI) at the University of Maryland, College Park is for you.
  • I've been asked to remind you that the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IPAM) at UCLA runs the Research in Industrial Projects for Students (RIPS) program for students, including international students, in math and related disciplines who wish to work in teams on real world research projects proposed by a sponsor from industry or a national lab.
  • Sage Corps thought you might be interested in its summer internship program that places interns in a tech startup abroad.
  • Columbia Business School is seeking outstanding applicants for its 2023 Summer Research Internship program. They have had good luck with students of math from Michigan. The highly selective program provides an intellectually stimulating environment and exposes students to the world of business research.
  • SIAM has a list of contact information for internships, the ASA maintains a very long list of internships in the statistical sciences, and the AMS maintains a listing of internships and co-ops. 
  • A comprehensive list of mathematical REU programs in the U.S. may be found at this AMS web page. The NSF maintains a listing of the REUs it funds, and there are many in areas other than math.
  • There are various internships with the United States government available, but they don't make them easy to find. Go here and read the section titled "How do I know a job is open to Students & recent graduates?". Then follow instructions. Also try here.
  • And here is yet another listing of research/internship opportunities.

Opportunities:

  • Math Mental Health Hour (MMHH) meets in 3096 EH alternate Fridays from 4:00pm to 5:00pm, beginning 1/27. There will be cookies and pop! Please fill out this form to let us know whether this time is convenient for you, and what you might be expecting: https://forms.gle/4BbKsV4wo1CzyaoB8.
  • Would you like to learn how to be more effective in a global environment? Then check out the Intercultural Leadership Seminar
    to be held on February 28 and March 1. Application deadline: February 12.
  • Juniors in the Honors Program: be sure to check out the Graf-Meiland Scholarships.
  • Your Central Student Government (CSG) is rolling out a Housing Management Survey to help CSG gauge what's affecting Ann Arbor renters the most and what CSG can do as representatives of the student body to help improve housing affordability and accessibility.
  • The University of Michigan Undergraduate Research Journal encourages students of mathematics to apply to UMURJ. This is a great opportunity for students to learn more about the publishing process and get first hand experience learning how a journal works.
  • Gresham College is sponsoring free lectures on Maths including lectures by Professor Sarah Hart.  
  • Graduating this winter or summer? Keep your parents happy by applying for graduation by March 6. If you don't apply before March 6, then your name WILL NOT appear in the program book.
  • The School of Information is seeking to add to their current subject pool to participate in incentivized studies. You can sign up to be in the ORSEE recruiting system here. By doing so, you will be added to the contact list to participate in future paid studies.
  • Bagel Sundays. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!
  • Reminder: the University of Michigan Science Olympiad (UMSO) is looking for volunteers to help run a (hopefully) in-person math, science, and engineering tournament for middle and high school students on Feb 18th. If you are interested in volunteering you can sign up here.  

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

  • Do you want to do your graduate studies in another country? Consider applying for a prestigious Fulbright grant. See this page for more information about how to apply. Students of Mathematics at other schools are constantly winning these things, so go for it.
  • Reminder: The Walking Club, which provides students of math with a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets at the Church Street entrance to the Math Atrium at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every weekday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. There is now even a Tuesday evening walk from 7:30 to 9 PM leaving from the Church Street Math Atrium Doors. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.

Careers.

 

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

January 19

Dear Students of Mathematics,

One of the beautiful things about mathematics, which separates it from pretty much every other field of human endeavor, is that things that were known to be true to mathematicians of a decade, century, or millennium ago are still true. Some of these things, like Fermat's proof of his last theorem, have been lost to time. Others are still with us, and often serve as a departure point for mathematical exploration.

At today's Math Club you'll learn how a beautiful theorem of Giovanni Francesco Fagnano dei Toschi (1715-1797) about triangles relates to billiards and the modern field of dynamical systems! Pretty cool!! To learn more, be sure to attend today's 4PM meeting that features Urshita Pal speaking on Fagnano's Problem and Reflecting Triangles. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!

Special Announcement:

  • The Walking Club will have a special Lunar New Year Walk on Saturday at 3pm. The walk will leave from the Church Street entrance to the Math Atrium of East Hall. Join the Walking Club's discord server for weather updates.

All sorts of announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

Another take on math and billiards,

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

 

Opportunities:

  • QIS. A project based club offering real world, practical opportunities in Machine Learning, Statistics, Math, and Computer Science through the lens of the quantitative financial world. No experience necessary—if you love solving complex problems or have ever wondered “when will I use this?” in class, then apply at qisumich.com by 27 January or email qis.board@umich.edu with any questions.
  • Bagel Sundays. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!
  • University of Michigan Science Olympiad (UMSO) is looking for volunteers to help run a (hopefully) in-person math, science, and engineering tournament for middle and high school students on Feb 18th. If you are interested in volunteering you can sign up here.  
  • The Directed Reading Program (DRP) pairs undergraduate students with graduate student mentors, for the duration of one semester, to work on an independent study project in Mathematics. These DRP projects can be on a variety of topics - e.g. elementary number theory, dynamical systems, differential geometry, and DRP students may also suggest their own topics as well! Applications are due on Sunday the 22nd of January.
  • Undergraduate Mathematics Seminar. The University of Michigan undergraduate mathematics seminar consists of biweekly talks given by junior/senior undergraduates in mathematics. The target audience for these talks is undergraduates familiar with the standard undergraduate curriculum including analysis, abstract algebra, and topology. The talks are on Fridays 4-5pm in East Hall 3096 and will include a snack provided by SUMS! The snack will likely consist of pizza/pop, but will be indicated on the schedule. The organizers are really excited for the seminar and it should be very fun. If you would like to give a talk, please fill out this form https://forms.gle/ACCDAiFF3wia3N5B7. The first talk will be given on Friday January 20th and is titled "The Yoneda Lemma and its applications: An introduction to category theory". 
  • The undergraduate student advisory committee (UGSAC) to the math department will have its first meeting on Sunday January 23rd from 2pm-3pm in the Nesbitt Room. UGSAC provides a direct line of communication between undergraduate voices and the math department itself, particularly concerning the climate of the department and DEI issues. UGSAC is also in charge of hosting some of the department's peer support events, such as Math Mental Health Hour and peer advising. We'd love to hear from you and what you think about the math department, what it's doing right, and how it could be better!! If you're interested in being added to the email list / discord server for UGSAC please email Faye at alephnil@umich.edu.
  • Sophomores: the Graham Undergraduate Sustainability Scholars Program wants you! Students of Mathematics who've participated have had excellent experiences (and wonderful opportunities to travel). Alumna Heather Price (2016) says "The Graham Scholars Program has fundamentally changed the way I view the world and my place in it. With such a wide array of perspectives, members of the Graham Scholars Program are able to engage in discussions you won't find anywhere else. The program highlight, however, has been the sustainability field experience. Traveling and exploring topics of sustainability at the same time made for a memorable and meaningful experience I'll never forget!"
  • The Michigan Daily has a new feature called the monthly Lab Spotlight. The idea is to showcase the impressive research done at Michigan that does not always make headlines. Perhaps your work should be spotlighted! If you think so, then go here.
  • COMAP’s undergraduate contests in modeling, the MCM and the ICM, are international contests designed to provide students with the opportunity to work as team members to engage in and improve their modeling, problem-solving, and writing skills. Teams of up to three students from your institution apply mathematics to model and develop a solution to one of six real-world problems. This international contest is open to students of all disciplines and there is no limit on the number of teams any one institution can enter. Register for the contest at www.mcmcontest.org.
  • UROP. Rising sophomores are encouraged to apply for the 2023-2024 academic year.
  • The Michigan in Washington program is accepting applications for Fall 2023 and early admission to Winter 2024. The deadline is February 27th.
  • Are you from Van Buren County in Michigan? If so, see if you are eligible for the Gail and Hilda Oster scholarship.
  • The Michigan Branch of the Telluride Association, a merit-based residential community that accepts both undergraduate and graduate students of all disciplines, is taking applications for new members. Members can live in the House for up to five years; in return for their membership in the community, they receive free housing and meals. For more information, please check out their website (https://www.telluride-house.com/).

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

  • The annual Pi Run will take place on March 14, 2023. Sign up by February 1 for the discount rate.
  • Now is a good time to think about study abroad opportunities for next academic year or, if you prefer to be paid for your foreign travel, consider teaching abroad.
  • Actuaries: the annual Drake Symposium, a two-day event geared towards actuarial science students and sponsored by the SOA and CAS, will be held in Des Moines, Iowa the weekend of April 14 and 15. There is also a case competition.
  • Mathematical Sciences Semesters in Guanajuato (MSSG) is an international program open to undergraduate students with a strong grounding in mathematics who want to increase their knowledge of data science, modeling, and partial differential equations from a comprehensive, forward-looking, and cutting-edge perspective while acquiring a solid theoretical foundation and exploring the rich culture of Mexico. More information is here.
  • The 2023 Big Heart Blood Battle competition against Michigan State, Penn State, and Wisconsin runs until February 22nd.
  • The Walking Club, which provides students of math with a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets at the Church Street entrance to the Math Atrium at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every weekday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.

Careers.

  • The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) Robotics Internship Program is a 10-week summer internship program for students majoring in a field related to robotics. The program provides opportunities students to intern at federal national laboratories throughout the United States. Begin your search here.
  • The Washington Center's Federal Diversity Internship Initiative offers students the opportunity to test drive a career as a federal employee, gain valuable professional experience and build a network of fellow public servants. Learn more here.
  • The Mathematical Association of America hosts a career site. It has many job postings for undergraduate students of math, but it also has job postings for people with graduate degrees, so you need to work a little.
  • Whether you are a first year or an nth year, y'all need to set up a Handshake account. Do it right now. This is one way to figure out which end is up before you leave the cocoon we call college.
  • The United States government is often hiring actuaries, mathematicians, statisticians, data scientists. Check this site from time-to-time to see available positions.
  • The Institute for Broadening Participation serves as a clearing house for information on education and career training activities in the STEM disciplines. To search through their vast listings, please visit www.pathwaystoscience.org.
  • The LSA Opportunity Hub provides just that -- opportunities. 

 

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

 

January 12

Dear Students of Mathematics,

Welcome Back!

Monday we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The University hosts many outstanding events throughout the day, and I encourage you to attend many or all of them. In particular, the Mathematics Department hosts the annual Marjorie Lee Browne Colloquium. This year Professor Steven Kahn from Wayne State will speak on Math Corps: Social Justice Through Loving and Believing in Kids -- and a few equations at 4PM Monday, January 16, in the Psychology Atrium of East Hall. The presentation will also be available zoom (Internet coordinates; Meeting ID: 913 4525 9193; Passcode: greatness). There will be an ice cream social immediately following Professor Kahn's talk.

Today marks the return of Math Club, and this week's 4PM meeting features Elad Zelingher speaking on Polynomials with roots on the unit circle. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!!

Special Announcements:

  • The Walking Club will have two walks on Monday, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In addition to the usual 6:05 am walk, there will also be a walk at 8:30 am. Both will start at the Church Street entrance to the Math Atrium. Steven Miller of Williams College will be joining us on these walks, and he is always happy to discuss REU opportunities with students. Join the Walking Club's discord server for weather updates.
  • Bagel Sundays. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!

All sorts of announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

What Is In Your Life's Blueprint?

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

Opportunities:

  • BestColleges.com has put together a resource guide for Black and African American students in STEM.
  • The Michigan AI Safety Initiative (MAISI) is a new student organization at the University of Michigan. Their mission is to build the AI safety community at the University of Michigan, launch students into high-impact AI safety careers, and do research that reduces the risk of AI-related catastrophes. If you're interested in ensuring that AI development happens safely, then check out some of their events and programs for this semester!
  • The Data Open, which is hosted by Citadel LLC and Citadel Securities in partnership with Correlation One, is inviting students to compete at the Midwest Datathon this February.
  • The Data Open is also inviting top students who identify as women from all across North America to compete at the first-ever Women’s Datathon this February.
  • The Office of New Student Programs is hiring Summer Orientation Leaders. It's a good way to make some extra money to support your research habit.
  • ELI 222 - Writing for Campus and Career (2 credits) and ELI 131 - Interactive Communication (1 credit) still have openings. Learn techniques for improving your academic English writing and apply these techniques to professional writing situations in order to become a more flexible, independent writer. Learn how to revise and edit your writing. Identify and correct your individual grammar and usage issues.
  • January 31 is the deadline for the annual essay contest run by the Association for Women in Mathematics.
  • March 31 is the deadline for the annual essay contest run by the History of Mathematics Special Interest Group of the MAA.
  • The start of a new semester is a great time to join (or start) a club. Information about many mathematically oriented organizations on campus may be found above under "Clubs."
  • Math Circle. Now in its twelfth year, Math Circle is a program for high school and middle school kids who live and breathe mathematics; it will meet virtually on Thursday nights from 6:30 to 8 beginning January 19. I hope that you will consider helping to run the circle by taking some time on Thursday evenings to work with the students in small groups. University Policy requires all Math Circle volunteers to undergo a background check. Please contact Stephen DeBacker for more information.
  • Are you studying Nahuatl (which has a vigesimal number system) or another less commonly taught modern language? You might be eligible for a Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship for the summer or for the academic year. Applications are due February 15.
  • F.E.M.M.E.S. This is an excellent organization. Usually, I advertise many of their programs in the missive. However, they are filling their opportunities so quickly that I've not yet had a chance! So, I recommend that you go check the organization directly.
  • The Nexecon Consulting Group is a student-run, not-for-profit consulting organization at the University of Michigan that serves clients ranging from local startups to Fortune 500 corporations. Interested in joining? Then apply at nexeconconsulting.com

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

  • The Detroit Partnership is looking for volunteers. Check them out.
  • The Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia has summer grants available for summer research opportunities or internships in Europe and Eurasia.
  • Budapest, Hungary has many opportunities for T-shirt photos. The Budapest Semester in Mathematics application deadline for this coming summer or for the next academic year is March 1.
  • Looking for a fun way to fulfill you upper level writing requirement? Be sure to check out the New England Literature Program. This is an off-site, place-based educational experience offered by the Department of English Language & Literature during each spring semester. Undergraduate students from a broad range of majors and schools are welcome. We have no Math T-shirt photos from the woods of New England. Applications received by January 11 receive priority consideration.
  • The Walking Club, which provides students of math with a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets at the Church Street entrance to the Math Atrium at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every weekday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.

Careers.

  • MoMath has announced its 2023 Exponent Fellowship. Designed for graduating math majors, this fellowship will bring enthusiastic new graduates to the National Museum of Mathematics for a year of outreach, service, and growth. Learn more and apply today at exponent.momath.org.
  • The annual Campus Green Career Fair will be held Wednesday February 3 from 1 to 4 pm. Be sure to register. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a career fair.
  • The Michigan College Advising Corps (MCAC) is a diverse group of recent University of Michigan graduates working full-time as college advisers in under-served high schools throughout Michigan.  This is an excellent opportunity to do good. (Scroll down for application button.)
  • Looking for help locating an internship for summer 2022? Check out the LSA Opportunity Hub's Internship Program.
  • Speaking of internships, the 2023 LSA Internship Fair will take place on Valentine's Day from 3:30 to 7 pm. You need to RSVP.
  • The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) High Performance Computing for Manufacturing (HPC4Mfg) Internship Program is a 10-week summer internship program for students majoring in a field related to high performance computing. Apply here.
  • The Detroit Community-Engaged Research Program (DCERP) is a social justice focused fellowship program run by the University of Michigan Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. In summer 2023, DCERP students will work full-time on research projects directed by Detroit nonprofits that focus on community priorities such as environmental health, food security, youth development, human rights, health equity and more! Apply here.
  • The HS-Power Program is open to students majoring in a broad spectrum of homeland security related science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines as well as DHS mission-relevant research areas.
  • The Winter 2023 hiring cycle for Research Professionals at the Becker Friedman Institute for Economics at the University of Chicago has begun. The program is intended to serve as a bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics. Available positions can be viewed at their website.
  • MSK Bridge is a two-year postbac/gap year research program for students from backgrounds historically underrepresented in science who aspire to pursue biomedical PhDs or MD-PhDs. More information about MSK Bridge may be found at mskcc.org/bridge.
  • The Berkeley Master of Financial Engineering Program invites you to learn how the Berkeley Haas Master of Financial Engineering (MFE) can help you advance your career in finance and/or data science.
  • NYU's School of Global Public Health and Department of Biostatistics would like for you to check them out tonight (January 12) at 8:30 PM EST, Click here to RSVP.
  • Reminder: Nanyang Technological University in Singapore would like for you to take a look at their MSc program in Applied Economics.
  • The University Career Center has many events planned for the winter term. Check them out!
  • Graduating seniors and recent graduates may want to consider a job at ArborMetrix, a cutting edge Health Care Analytics company located right here in downtown Ann Arbor. See this page for more information about available positions.
  • Qualtrics would like you to take a look at their job postings. Apply if you are interested.
  • Mathematica Policy Research (MPR), a social policy and research firm looking to recruit Michigan undergraduates for multiple positions. Many Michigan Students of Mathematics have worked with MPR over the years, including Alexandra Killewald.
  • The Mathematical Association of America hosts a career site. It has many job postings for undergraduate students of math, but it also has job postings for people with graduate degrees, so you need to work a little.
  • Whether you are a first year or an nth year, y'all need to set up a Handshake account. Do it right now. This is one way to figure out which end is up before you leave the cocoon we call college.
  • The United States government is often hiring actuaries, mathematicians, statisticians, data scientists. Check this site from time-to-time to see available positions.
  • The Institute for Broadening Participation serves as a clearing house for information on education and career training activities in the STEM disciplines. To search through their vast listings, please visit www.pathwaystoscience.org.
  • The LSA Opportunity Hub provides just that -- opportunities. 

Clubs.

The Mathematics undergraduate population supports several clubs. If you don't see what you like, then start your own; the Department is always happy to sponsor mathematically oriented undergraduate organizations. Some clubs that may appeal to you:

  • MFAMS. Through member-only networking events with trading firms, educational seminars, trading competitions, and more, MFAMS puts students on the fast track to a career that uses financial math. See their web site for more details.
  • SAM. If applied math, insurance, or risk interests you, then consider joining the Student Actuaries at Michigan. Over 100 members (mostly actuarial science majors) benefit from the on-campus information sessions, actuarial exam subsidies, and professional networking events that SAM provides. In addition to their strengths in academic and professional development, the SAM Tree Owls frequently make IM sports finals (when those things happen).
  • STEM Society. STEM Society aims to expose K-12 students, especially in lower socioeconomic areas, to inquiry-based learning in the fields of science and math. They hope to disprove common stereotypes that students may have about science and math as well as to increase the students' awareness of the diverse opportunities available in these fields. In addition, STEM Society strives to provide undergraduates with an interest in teaching or sharing their passion for science and math with opportunities to do so. For more information, please contact them by e-mail at stemsocietyboard@umich.edu.
  • SUMS. The Society of Mathematics Students is an organization whose goal is to facilitate friendships and community amongst mathematics majors and those interested in mathematics.  It is also the undergraduate volunteer arm of Michigan's Math Circle, a program for high school and middle school kids who live and breathe mathematics. If you are interested in joining SUMS on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8 beginning September 23rd to help with Math Circle, please contact Stephen DeBacker.
  • WIM. The Women in Mathematics club seeks to provide social and educational support for women studying mathematics and statistics. They provide opportunities to hear from female speakers in mathematics, allow members to meet others with similar academic interests, and provide peer support for classes and career options. WIM holds study nights, brings in speakers, and arranges group social events. If you have any questions, please e-mail women.in.math.board@umich.edu.

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

 

 

December 8

 

Dear Students of Mathematics,

Since you are busy studying for finals, I will keep this short.

The final Math Club of the Fall 2022 semester happens today. The Directed Reading Program (DRP) is winding down for the semester, and at today's Math Club meeting you can enjoy Directed Reading Program Presentations by your peers Daniel Cross, Abigail Hess and Jiaqi Lu. The DRP talks are fantastic and informative -- check them out! As always, everyone is invited, pizza and pop will be served (after the talk), and it all happens today at 4PM Ann Arbor time in East Hall 1360.

Special Announcement I: The inaugural East Hall Ball happens this Saturday from 8 to 10 pm in the upper Math Atrium!!! The East Hall Ball is open to all U(M) students and will feature music, dancing, winter decorations, and snacks! While there is no dress code, plan to dress nicely!

Special Announcement II: All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for the final for Bagel Sunday of Fall 2022! Come to the Math Atrium on Sunday at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while studying for your finals!

Special Announcement III: Michigan Math mugs are now on sale!! Order here by December 16, 2022. 

All sorts of announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

This one never gets old,

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker 
Undergraduate Program Director 
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

Opportunities:

  • The Academic Success Program is hiring tutors for the Winter semester. Apply by using the following link. As part of the application process, you will be asked to submit a resume and transcript in the application form. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Tutorial Coordinator at ath-tutoring@umich.edu
  • ELI is still looking to hire undergraduate students as ELI 994 Student Consultants/Program Assistants, to play the role of undergrad students during practice teaching sessions and provide feedback to international GSIs who are preparing to teach classes. Interested students should apply via the Student Employment website, job number 32429.

Careers.

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

 

December 1

 

Dear Students of Mathematics,

For the first time in a long time, Michigan lost to Ohio State. But, your football team did win over the weekend. I guess if you interpolate between these two results, all is well in the world.

Speaking of interpolation, this week's 4PM Math Club features Martin Strauss speaking on Polynomial interpolation tricks. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!

Special Announcement I: Many of you are working on your cover letters, statements of purpose, resumes, etc. for grad school and job applications. Don't assume you can do this on your own! Get professional advice by attending the Resume and Cover Letter workshop for math students tomorrow, December 2, from 4 to 5 pm in East Hall 1324. Plus, there will be cookies.

Special Announcement II: It's the last day to purchase Michigan Math Hoodies. They are on sale until tonight (December 1) at midnight (EST)!! The hoodies make excellent holiday gifts. Speaking of excellent gifts, Michigan Math mugs are now on sale!! Order one here by December 16, 2022. 

Special Announcement III: The Michigan REU is now accepting applications.

Course planning advice. Here is some advice to help you avoid having to make alternate plans for your classes for next term: certain math classes (e.g., 176, 186, 285, 286, 296, 297, 310, 351, 389, 396, 423, 493, 506, 525, 526, 626) require that you add yourself to the waitlist instead of directly registering.   For these courses, you should review the notes in the Course Guide as there may be additional instructions on how to secure a space in the course.  The friendly people in the undergraduate office will process permissions for these courses once they have gathered the relevant enrollment data.  Patience is greatly appreciated.

All sorts of announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

How not to interpolate,

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

  • Feeling cooped up? Now is a good time to think about study abroad opportunities for next academic year or, if you prefer to be paid for your foreign travel, consider teaching abroad.
  • Reminder. The Walking Club, which provides students a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets outside of the Starbucks on South University (1214 S University Ave) at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every day Monday through Friday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.

Opportunities:

  • Reminder: The infinitely difficult Putnam Competition will happen Saturday, December 3. Students need to register here.
  • Mastery Learning Hour is a non-profit project which provides free math tutoring to K-12th grade children via zoom. They work with Title I schools and provide tutoring in English and Spanish. They need more student volunteers.
  • The National Academies sometimes hosts a video competition titled Elevating Mathematics. I can't tell if they are doing so this year or not.
  • The International Association of Black Actuaries (IABA) offers scholarships. The application is now open.
  • LoG(M) is accepting applications until tomorrow December 2 -- please click on "Winter 2023" to reveal the application. LoG(M) is a semester-long mathematics research and computing experience for qualified undergraduates. The LoG(M) projects are developed and mentored by faculty and graduate students. While the project topics vary widely, they are unified by experimental methods that involve some visualization and computing.
  • Reminder: Sophomores and Juniors. Do you have research experience? Do you  plan to pursue a PhD or MD/PhD and research career in a STEM field? Do you want to give your letter writers an opportunity to polish their letters? Then check out the U-M STEM Research Career Award. This scholarship does not require US citizenship; it is open to students from all nationalities and backgrounds. 
  • Reminder: Are you interested in a paid position in the mathematics department for the Winter 2023 term? If you are interested in being considered for a Course Assistant position, please fill out this application form by Friday, December 2nd.
  • Reminder: Are you interested in a paid position in the mathematics department for the Winter 2023 term? If you have a good academic record and would like to work as a Kiluk tutor (for Math 217) or grader, then apply for a Math position by clicking this link.
  • Reminder. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!
  • Reminder: Popcorn Thursdays happen every Thursday at 4:30 pm. The popcorn will be served in the Math Atrium. Check it out.

 

Careers.

  • The sixth annual Green Career Fair will be held Friday, February 3. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a career fair.
  • Michigan alum Doug Piper says you should check out the teaching positions at Lawrenceville. It's a two-year teaching job, room and board provided, along with a master's degree. Apply here.
  • Math alumna Margaret Ehinger taught for City Year Detroit and loved it. You may want to check it out..
  • The Columbia University Actuarial Science Program would like for you to consider applying to the M.S. in Actuarial Science at Columbia University.
  • MSK Bridge is a two-year post-baccalaureate biomedical research program for recent college graduates who are part of underrepresented or underserved groups who aspire to apply to PhD or MD-PhD programs upon completion of Bridge.
  • The University of Chicago's Fama-Miller Center for Research in Finance offers a unique pre-doctoral opportunity for research professionals with undergraduate degrees or master’s degrees in economics and finance or in fields with related skills such as statistics, mathematics or computer science. Their two-year research professional program is designed to be an ideal transitional position for recent graduates who are interested in going onto a top PhD program in finance or economics.
  • Cornell's ORIE PhD program really likes Michigan students. Apply here.
  • The Mathematics Department at the University of Tennessee would like for you to consider applying there.
  • The Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences MA program at Columbia University would like to train you to use sophisticated statistical techniques to thrive in an increasingly data-rich world. 
  • The Southern Teachers Agency (STA) helps hundreds of candidates find jobs at outstanding private & independent schools throughout the mid-Atlantic and South. Private schools value candidates who have participated in a teacher certification program, but have the flexibility to hire teachers with a strong academic background in mathematics who have not taken Education courses.
  • SAGA Innovations is working to guarantee that students succeed in math by supplying individualized tutoring in public schools in Chicago and New York City, and they're hiring SAGA fellows for next school year.
  • The University of Cincinnati graduate programs in Mathematical Sciences and Statistics are accepting new applications.
  • The Mathematical Association of America hosts a career site. It has many job postings for undergraduate students of math, but it also has job postings for people with graduate degrees, so you need to work a little.
  • Whether you are a first year or an nth year, y'all need to set up a Handshake account. Do it right now. This is one way to figure out which end is up before you leave the cocoon we call college.
  • The United States government is often hiring actuaries, mathematicians, statisticians, data scientists. Check this site from time-to-time to see available positions.
  • The Institute for Broadening Participation serves as a clearing house for information on education and career training activities in the STEM disciplines. To search through their vast listings, please visit www.pathwaystoscience.org.
  • The LSA Opportunity Hub provides just that -- opportunities. 

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

November 17

Dear Students of Mathematics,

There are many types of rabbits in the world: killer rabbits, invisible rabbits, truth telling rabbits, easily manipulated rabbits, were-rabbits, .... There are even rabbits in math, and today at the 4PM Math Club you can Follow the Rabbit with Caroline Davis. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!

Special Announcement I: Michigan Math Hoodies are on sale until December 1. Purchase a Michigan Math Hoodie for $50 (more for larger sizes) and help support the Math Corps at the same time! The hoodies make excellent holiday gifts.

Special Announcement II: LoG(M) is accepting applications until December 2 -- please click on "Winter 2023" to reveal the application. LoG(M) is a semester-long mathematics research and computing experience for qualified undergraduates. The LoG(M) projects are developed and mentored by faculty and graduate students. While the project topics vary widely, they are unified by experimental methods that involve some visualization and computing.

Course planning advice. Here is some advice to help you avoid having to make alternate plans for your classes for next term: certain math classes (e.g., 176, 186, 285, 286, 296, 297, 310, 351, 389, 396, 423, 493, 506, 525, 526, 626) require that you add yourself to the waitlist instead of directly registering.   For these courses, you should review the notes in the Course Guide as there may be additional instructions on how to secure a space in the course.  The friendly people in the undergraduate office will process permissions for these courses once they have gathered the relevant enrollment data.  Patience is greatly appreciated.

All sorts of announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

Some Thanksgiving cooking tips,

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

  • The annual Michigan-Ohio State Blood Battle provides an excellent opportunity for math t-shirt photos. Help your school out and do good until November 23.
  • Reminder: Sophomores and Juniors. Do you have research experience? Do you  plan to pursue a PhD or MD/PhD and research career in a STEM field? Do you want to give your letter writers an opportunity to polish their letters? Then check out the U-M STEM Research Career Award. This scholarship does not require US citizenship; it is open to students from all nationalities and backgrounds. 

Opportunities:

  • ELI is hiring undergraduate students as ELI 994 Student Consultants/Program Assistants, to play the role of undergrad students during practice teaching sessions and provide feedback to international GSIs who are preparing to teach classes. Interested students should apply via the Student Employment website, job number 32429
  • Math 389, Explorations in Mathematics (the web page needs to have the year updated!), is unlike any other math course you have ever taken; in this course you will experience first hand the joys and frustrations of creating your own mathematics. The course has a very limited number of seats, so add yourself to the wait list early.
  • COMAP'S Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM) / Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling (ICM) is an international contest designed to provide undergraduate students with the opportunity to work as team members to engage in and improve their modeling, problem solving, and writing skills. Teams apply mathematics to model, develop, and communicate a solution to a real-world problem. Check out the contest here.
  • Are you interested in a paid position in the mathematics department for the Winter 2023 term? If you are interested in being considered for a Course Assistant position, please fill out this application form by Friday, December 2nd.
  • Reminder: Are you interested in a paid position in the mathematics department for the Winter 2023 term? If you have a good academic record and would like to work as a Kiluk tutor (for Math 217) or grader, then apply for a Math position by clicking this link.
  • Reminder: Sophomores and Juniors. Do you have research experience? Do you  plan to pursue a PhD or MD/PhD and research career in a STEM field? Do you want to give your letter writers an opportunity to polish their letters? Then check out the U-M STEM Research Career Award. This scholarship does not require US citizenship; it is open to students from all nationalities and backgrounds. 
  • Reminder. The Walking Club, which provides students a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets outside of the Starbucks on South University (1214 S University Ave) at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every day Monday through Friday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.
  • Reminder. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!
  • Reminder: Popcorn Thursdays happen every Thursday at 4:30 pm. The popcorn will be served in the Math Atrium. Check it out.

 

Careers.

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

 

November 10

Dear Students of Mathematics,

One of the keys to finding the career of your dreams is to network, socialize, and use all the resources available. Turns out you are in luck this week! We have two resources for you, and both will help you network and socialize:

Special Announcement I: The 25th annual Career Conference will take place tomorrow, Friday November 11, from 1 to 4 pm. Here's a guide to navigating the conference. If you would like to submit your resume in advance, then do so here. Also, WIM will host a panel discussion in the Nesbitt Room (East Hall 2851) from 10 to 11:30 am on the 11th.

Special Announcement II: Jane Street is hosting an ESTIMATHON™ at the University of Michigan today, November 9th, at 6:00pm in Weiser Room 260. Jane Street is a trading firm, and they have traditionally had absolutely amazing swag. They are also very good about encouraging people to study math, so please go and have some fun. Registration is not required to attend.

Special Announcement III: The Undergraduate Student Advisory Committee (UGSAC) will be hosting a mass peer advising session for undergraduates planning on taking math classes on Monday, 11/14, from 7:00pm to 9:30pm Ann Arbor time, in the upper math atrium. There will be cookies and pop! If you wish to sign up as an attendee or peer advisor or want more information on the event, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/sLnRKEqUXtTce1A78.

All sorts of announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

How to network, even when the chips are down,

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

Opportunities:

  • Are you interested in a paid position in the mathematics department for the Winter 2023 term? If you have a good academic record and would like to work as a Kiluk tutor (for Math 217) or grader, then apply for a Math position by clicking this link.
  • The Undergraduate Student Advisory Committee (UGSAC) works to provide a voice to math undergraduates on issues of department culture as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion. UGSAC meets the first Sunday of every month; fill out this form to be added to the mailing list: https://forms.gle/7mFn9YoMgr3ANmG28.
  • February 1 is the deadline for the annual essay contest run by the Association for Women in Mathematics and Math for America.
  • The infinitely difficult Putnam Competition will happen Saturday, December 3rd. Sign up by following the link "Click Here For Student Registration" here.
  • Reminder: Sophomores and Juniors. Do you have research experience? Do you  plan to pursue a PhD or MD/PhD and research career in a STEM field? Do you want to give your letter writers an opportunity to polish their letters? Then check out the U-M STEM Research Career Award. This scholarship does not require US citizenship; it is open to students from all nationalities and backgrounds. 
  • Reminder. The Walking Club, which provides students a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets outside of the Starbucks on South University (1214 S University Ave) at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every day Monday through Friday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.
  • Reminder. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!
  • Reminder: Popcorn Thursdays happen every Thursday at 4:30 pm. The popcorn will be served in the Math Atrium. Check it out.

 

Careers.

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

 

 

November 3

Dear Students of Mathematics,

According to Career Cast, Mathematics continues to dominate the top ten career paths (#1 for data scientists, #3 for statisticians, #5 for mathematicians, #7 for operations research analysts, and #9 for actuaries). What sort of career will you take up upon graduation? Will you be a data scientist? a software engineer (again, and again)? a quantitative strategist? a poker player (and again)? a blackjack player? a hedge fund manager (and again)? a CFO? a sociologist (again, again, and again)? a news correspondent? a businessperson (and again)? a Pulitzer Prize winner? a White House Counsel? a composer? a lawyer? a writer/producer of television shows? a defender of civil liberties? a science fiction writer (and again)? a novelist? a writer of stories for children? an opinion columnist? a professional baseball player? a professional football player (again, and again)? a computer researcher (and again, again, again, ... really, there is no shortage of such people)? a Supreme Court Justice? a romance novelist? a tennis star? an actor (and again)? a folk singer? a Secretary of Defense (and again)? a consulting guru? a Nobel Prize winning UofM honorary degree recipient (and don't forget the 31 students of math who have won an economics Nobel!)?

To explore the many career options available to students of mathematics, I strongly encourage you to attend the Math Department's Career Conference. The conference will take place next Friday November 11 in the beautiful mathematics atrium from 1 to 4 pm. Here's a guide to navigating the conference.

Biostatistics presents yet another career option for students of mathematics. Lucky you! At today's 4PM Math Club meeting Peisong Han will discuss Data Integration in Biostatistics Data Analysis. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens today at 4PM Ann Arbor time in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!

Special Announcement I: Tuesday, November 8, is election day. If you are eligible to vote, then don't forget to vote!

Special Announcement II: The 25th annual Career Conference will take place in a bit over two weeks on Friday, November 11, from 1 to 4 pm. Here's a guide to navigating the conference. If you would like to submit your resume in advance, then do so here. Also, WIM will host a panel discussion in the Nesbitt Room (East Hall 2851) from 10 to 11:30 am on the 11th.

All sorts of announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

Some careers are more demanding than others,

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

 

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

  • Sophomores and Juniors. Do you have research experience? Do you  plan to pursue a PhD or MD/PhD and research career in a STEM field? Do you want to give your letter writers an opportunity to polish their letters? Then check out the U-M STEM Research Career Award. This scholarship does not require US citizenship; it is open to students from all nationalities and backgrounds. 
  • Come On Out - Japan has launched its 2023 Annual Global English Camp Summer Internship program.  They are currently seeking university students and recent graduates with native level English skills who would be interested in going to Japan. In addition to airfare, lodging, meal and transportation subsidies, the program offers optional Japanese language classes, field trips, dinner/cooking nights, a retreat and at least one overnight trip. These additional opportunities are all designed to add cultural enrichment to your summer abroad experience. Also and excellent opportunity to add to our Math T-shirt photo collection.
  • The retired Honorary Consul of Switzerland and Michigan alumnus Walter Wegmueller thinks it would be awesome if Michigan students were to get in on the competition for a 2023 ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship. I agree, and we could always use more Math T-Shirt Photos from Switzerland
  • The annual Michigan-Ohio State Blood Battle provides an excellent opportunity for math t-shirt photos. Help your school out and do good until November 23.
  • As part of UMICH Votes, the Math Department encourages everyone who is eligible to register to vote, vote, and wear a special edition Math t-shirt!! The shirts are available now -- go to EH2074 for more information. The next election is on Nov 8. 

 

Opportunities:

  • King Abdullah University of Science and Technology invites you to enter the Annual International Undergraduate Poster Competition.
  • The School of Information is seeking to add to their current subject pool to participate in incentivized studies. You can sign up to be in the ORSEE recruiting system here. By doing so, you will be added to the contact list to participate in future paid studies.
  • The student organization Wolverine Support Network is hosting a Speaker Series where students, faculty, and staff will share their experiences with vulnerability and perseverance in order to destigmatize conversations about mental health on campus.
  • Reminder. The Walking Club, which provides students a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets outside of the Starbucks on South University (1214 S University Ave) at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every day Monday through Friday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.
  • Reminder. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!
  • Reminder: Popcorn Thursdays happen every Thursday at 4:30 pm. The popcorn will be served in the Math Atrium. Check it out.

 

Careers.

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

 

 

October 27

Dear Students of Mathematics,

This coming Monday is Halloween! Have you been thinking about your costume? Perhaps you should go as an archer like Legolas, Katniss, Merida, or Robin Hood.

Speaking of archers, at today's 4PM Math Club meeting Katie Waddle will discuss Quivers and Quiver Mutation. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens today at 4PM Ann Arbor time in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!

Special Announcement I: I have read hundreds of personal statements over the years. Trust me, if you are applying to graduate school or otherwise need to write a personal statement, then you want to attend the Personal Statement Workshop. This will be held Tuesday, November 1, from 4:30 to 5:30 pm in 4448 East Hall.

Special Announcement II: The 25th annual Career Conference will take place in a bit over two weeks on Friday, November 11, from 1 to 4 pm. Here's a guide to navigating the conference.

All sorts of announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

Monster Math (from 1957),

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield is hiring interns for summer 2023.
  • Data Glacier is looking to hire for their data science internships.
  • Looking for a paid STEM internship or research opportunity? Check out the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) listing.
  • The Department of Energy is now accepting applications for their summer internship programs.
  • Gotoco (www.go-to.co), set up by Oxford University students, provides English-speaking students with funded opportunities to participate in summer camps around the world, where they can work towards a TEFL certificate, make new friends, explore the world, and have a unique summer experience.

 

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

  • Looking for a fun way to fulfill you upper level writing requirement? Be sure to check out the New England Literature Program. This is an off-site, place-based educational experience offered by the Department of English Language & Literature during each spring semester. Undergraduate students from a broad range of majors and schools are welcome. We have no Math T-shirt photos from the woods of New England.
  • The annual Michigan-Ohio State Blood Battle provides an excellent opportunity for math t-shirt photos. Help your school out and do good starting October 27.
  • As part of UMICH Votes, the Math Department encourages everyone who is eligible to register to vote, vote, and wear a special edition Math t-shirt!! The shirts are available now -- go to EH2074 for more information. The next election is on Nov 8. 

 

Opportunities:

  • As part of the University Community's For Whom the Bell Polls carillon concerts on election day, you can vote for the songs you want to hear! (Too bad, this gem is not on the list.)
  • is for any U-M community member, including students, that can vote for a song to be played from the bell towers on election day. 
  • The UofM alumni association brings you free bagels and coffee most every Wednesday morning. Check it out.
  • Budding author? If you enjoy writing poetry, prose, novels, screen plays, etc., then you may wish to submit your work to Michigan's Hopwood Awards Program.
  • Reminder. The Walking Club, which provides students a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets outside of the Starbucks on South University (1214 S University Ave) at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every day Monday through Friday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.
  • Reminder. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!
  • Reminder: Popcorn Thursdays happen every Thursday at 4:30 pm. The popcorn will be served in the Math Atrium. Check it out.

 

Careers.

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

 

 

October 20

Dear Students of Mathematics,

Last Monday Philip Dybvie was one of the three winners of the 2022 Nobel Prize for Economics (technically, the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel). Dybvie was a student of mathematics, and students of mathematics sprout up quite often among Nobel winners. In fact, at least 31 of the 94 recipients of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics have been students of mathematics; that's pretty amazing.

Speaking of winning, at today's 4PM Math Club meeting David Speyer will talk about Winning the Fidget Toy Game. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens today at 4PM Ann Arbor time in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!

Special Announcement I: As part of UMICH Votes, the Math Department encourages everyone who is eligible to register to vote, vote, and wear a special edition Math t-shirt!! The shirts are available now -- go to EH2074 for more information. The next election is on Nov 8. 

Special Announcement II: Popcorn Thursdays happen every Thursday at 4:30 pm. The popcorn will be served in the Math Atrium. Check it out.

All sorts of announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

Winning the matchsticks toy game,

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

 

Opportunities:

  • Seniors: The Yenching Academy plans to draw together an interdisciplinary cohort of students to pursue a generously funded 2-year masters program in China Studies at Peking University. The deadline to apply for U-M nomination is noon on the second Monday in November.
  • Are you a bright, innovative undergraduate? Of course you are. So, why not have your best projects and coursework recognized with an award and a trip to Dublin? Find out more by visiting The Global Undergraduate Awards web page.
  • The Online Undergraduate Resource Fair for the Advancement and Alliance of Marginalized Mathematicians will take place November 19 and 20. Details may be found here.
  • Reminder: Google offers a variety of scholarships. Be sure to check them all out.
  • Reminder: The National Defense Science and Technology Graduate Fellowship is another absolutely enormous fellowship that will help pay for your graduate education. The 2023 application is open.
  • Reminder: Applications for the Two Sigma Undergraduate Scholarship and Two Sigma Diversity Undergraduate Scholarship are due by November 4, 2022 at midnight. 
  • Reminder: Super Saturdays have returned! Super Saturdays is part of the Math Corps at U(M), which helps to make the world a better place. During Super Saturdays, students in grades 6-12 come together to have fun and work with volunteers from 9:30am to 12n (over Zoom). Super Saturdays is looking for volunteers to work with students in small groups, and they are grateful for all who help them run outreach programs such as this one (even if you can only help out for one or two Saturdays) -- thank you!! If you are interested in helping out, then please email Sarah Koch (kochsc@umich.edu).
  • Reminder: The National Science Foundation has huge, absolutely enormous, graduate fellowships for seniors planning to continue on to graduate school (in many disciplines). Here's how to win one. Apply today -- deadlines fall in October, that is very soon.
  • Reminder. The Walking Club, which provides students a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets outside of the Starbucks on South University (1214 S University Ave) at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every day Monday through Friday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.
  • Reminder. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!

 

Careers.

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

P.S. Winners of the Nobel in Economics who were students of math include: Philip Dybvig, Ragnar Frisch, Jan Tinbergen, John Hicks, Leonid Kantorovicch, Tjalling Koopmans, Milton Friedman, Gerard Debreu, John Nash, William Vickrey, Robert Merton, James Heckman, Michael Spence, Daniel Kahneman, Clive Granger, Edward C. Prescott, Robert Aumann, Eric Maskin, Roger Myerson, Peter Diamond, Christopher A. Sims, Kenneth Arrow, Alvin E. Roth, Lloyd S. Shapley, Lars Peter Hansen, Jean Tirole, Oliver Hart, Bengt R. Holmström, Paul Romer, Paul Milgrom, and Robert Wilson.

 

 

 

October 13

Dear Students of Mathematics,

Once upon a time Alexei Kolesnikov and I were grading an exam problem about ellipses. We came across a solution which was wrong in such a subtle way that it took us an embarrassingly long time to isolate the error. We were so impressed that we used the error to create this proof that there is only one positive real number. Can you find the error?

Turns out ellipses are the source of an almost endless number of challenging mathematical problems. To learn about some others, be sure to attend today's 4PM Math Club talk where Andrei Prokhorov will explore the wonderful world of Elliptic Functions. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens today at 4PM Ann Arbor time in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!

Special Announcement: Popcorn Thursdays begin today! Every Thursday at 4:30 pm popcorn will be served in the Math Atrium. Check it out.

Ellipses can even make you a hero,

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

  • The Detroit Community-Engaged Research Program (DCERP)  is a social justice focused fellowship program run by the University of Michigan Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program.   In summer 2022, DCERP students will work full-time on research projects directed by Detroit non-profits that focus on community priorities such as environmental health, food security, early learning, youth development, human rights, public health, alternative energy, affordable housing and more! Applications are now being accepted! Visit https://myumi.ch/84dXWfor guidelines and to access the online application.
  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Cornell University, and Weill Cornell Medicine would like for you to know that applications will soon be accepted for the 2023 computational biology summer program sponsored by an R25 grant from the NCI and the Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Computational Biology & Medicine. The application opens in early November.
  • The Washington Center arranges summer internships in D.C. Unfortunately, I don't think you get paid, but you can earn credit.
  • Reminder: StepStone Group is looking to hire Venture Capital Investments Summer Interns. Apply soon!
  • Reminder: Hannover Re is looking to hire interns for next summer. Apply here; interviews will happen in late October/early November.

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

  • Michigan's Semester in Detroit program is something I definitely would have taken advantage of as an undergraduate. Be sure to check it out.

 

Opportunities:

  • Google offers a variety of scholarships. Be sure to check them all out.
  • The National Defense Science and Technology Graduate Fellowship is another absolutely enormous fellowship that will help pay for your graduate education. The 2023 application is open.
  • Applications for the Two Sigma Undergraduate Scholarship and Two Sigma Diversity Undergraduate Scholarship are due by November 4, 2022 at midnight. 
  • Super Saturdays have returned! Super Saturdays is part of the Math Corps at U(M), which helps to make the world a better place. During Super Saturdays, students in grades 6-12 come together to have fun and work with volunteers from 9:30am to 12n (over Zoom). Super Saturdays is looking for volunteers to work with students in small groups, and they are grateful for all who help them run outreach programs such as this one (even if you can only help out for one or two Saturdays) -- thank you!! If you are interested in helping out, then please email Sarah Koch (kochsc@umich.edu).
  • Reminder: This year, the Putnam Competition is on Saturday, December 3rd. Sign up by following the link "Click Here For Student Registration" here.
  • Reminder: The 42nd Virginia Tech Math Competition will be held 9:00 am -- 11:30 am on Saturday October 22, 2022. Please sign up here for the Virginia Tech Math Competition.
  • Reminder: The National Science Foundation has huge, absolutely enormous, graduate fellowships for seniors planning to continue on to graduate school (in many disciplines). Here's how to win one. Apply today -- deadlines fall in October, that is very soon.
  • Reminder. The Walking Club, which provides students a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets outside of the Starbucks on South University (1214 S University Ave) at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every day Monday through Friday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.
  • Reminder. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!

 

Careers.

 

 

 

 

October 6

Dear Students of Mathematics,

I grew up in a small town in western Kansas, and I was seven years old when I first saw the Milky Way in all its glory -- it was mind-bogglingly beautiful. I went to college in a small city in the South Bay, and I was 19 years old when I first experienced a non-construction related traffic jam -- it was mind-bogglingly stupid. I am sad to report that the number of traffic jams I've experienced in my life far outnumbers the number of nights I've seen the Milky Way; I think I should make it a life goal to correct this imbalance.

How might galaxies and traffic jams be related? To find out be sure to attend today's 4PM Math Club talk where Maria Han Veiga will explore connections between the two in a talk titled: From traffic jams to galaxies: the wonderful world of conservation laws. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens today at 4PM Ann Arbor time in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!

Special Announcement: Super Saturdays returns this Saturday!!! Super Saturdays is part of the Math Corps at U(M), which helps to make the world a better place. During Super Saturdays, students in grades 6-12 come together to have fun and work with volunteers from 9:30am to 12n (over Zoom). Super Saturdays is looking for volunteers to work with students in small groups, and they are grateful for all who help them run outreach programs such as this one (even if you can only help out for one or two Saturdays) -- thank you!! If you are interested in helping out, then please email Sarah Koch (kochsc@umich.edu).

All sorts of announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

Monday (October 3 -- watch for it) was Mean Girls Day,

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

 

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

 

Opportunities:

  • The undergraduate run Michigan Math Meet is restarting the local high school math competition (known as Michigan Lemma prior to the pandemic). They are looking to solicit problems from math enthusiasts in the community for the upcoming Michigan Math Meet competition in March 2023. If you would like to contribute, please submit your math problems through this form.
  • The Multidisciplinary Design Program is looking for Math Majors, Stats Majors, and/or Data Science Majors. Looks like it could be lots of fun. The application is open until October 16th. 
  • This year, the Putnam Competition is on Saturday, December 3rd. Sign up by following the link "Click Here For Student Registration" here.
  • The 42nd Virginia Tech Math Competition will be held 9:00 am -- 11:30 am on Saturday October 22, 2022. Please sign up here for the Virginia Tech Math Competition.
  • Sophomores: the Graham Undergraduate Sustainability Scholars Program is an interdisciplinary sustainability leadership training and development program to which students apply the second semester of their sophomore year. Core components include an interdisciplinary thinking seminar, a leadership development seminar, a hands-on Sustainability and the Campus course; and a field-based experience course. Math students have done this in the past and reported that they really enjoyed the experience.
  • Michigan Interactive Investments (MII), a Michigan undergraduate student-run investment club, is hosting the 20123 ENGAGE Undergraduate Investment Conference February 10 and 11.
  • Reminder: 2022 is an election year. Now is the time to register so that you can vote in November.
  • The Undergraduate Research Symposium Committee is organizing two workshops on Wednesday and Thursday, October 12th and 13th at 7 pm to discuss how undergraduates can get involved in research. RSVP using this link. The workshops will happen over Zoom here.
  • Reminder: The National Science Foundation has huge, absolutely enormous, graduate fellowships for seniors planning to continue on to graduate school (in many disciplines). Here's how to win one. Apply today -- deadlines fall in October, that is very soon.
  • Reminder. The Walking Club, which provides students a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets outside of the Starbucks on South University (1214 S University Ave) at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every day Monday through Friday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.
  • Reminder. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!

 

Careers.

 

 

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

 

September 29

Dear Students of Mathematics,

Here is a question a U(M) alum asked me recently: Suppose you have thirteen fair prime-sided dice with 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, ..., 37, and 41 sides. Can you use these prime-sided dice to simulate a fair 42 sided die with three rolls? Can you use them to do it with two rolls? I think the first question is not-so-bad, but the second is darn tricky.

The question could be even trickier if we used coins that were not fair. How would that work? To learn, be sure to attend today's 4PM Math Club talk where Guanhua Sun will discuss the ins-and-outs of Tossing a biased coin. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens today at 4PM Ann Arbor time in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!

Special Announcement I (for alumni reading this): The Association for Women in Math at Michigan and the undergraduate Women in Math club are seeking alumni working in math-related fields interested in mentoring undergraduates. Mentors will meet online or in-person with an undergraduate student roughly once a month for the 2022-2023 school year. Mentoring is a great way to stay connected to Michigan mathematics and to support the next generation!  Apply here, preferably by Oct 3rd at 5pm.

Special Announcement II: Order your Halloween special edition Michigan Math t-shirts here by Oct 8. This is a fundraiser for Math Corps at U(M).

Special Announcement III: 2022 is an election year. Now is the time to register so that you can vote in November.

All sorts of announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern discuss probability,

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

 

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

 

Opportunities:

  • The Association for Women in Math at Michigan and the undergraduate Women in Math club have created a program to pair current undergraduates with alumni working in math-related fields. Mentees will meet online or in-person with their mentor roughly once a month for the 2022-2023 school year. Apply here, preferably by Oct 3rd at 5pm.
  • Math Mental Health Hour (MMHH) will meet in East Hall 1866 on Sunday, October 2, from 2:00pm to 3:00pm. There will be milk and cookies!
  • This year, the Putnam Competition is on Saturday, December 3rd. Sign up by following the link "Click Here For Student Registration" here.
  • The 42nd Virginia Tech Math Competition will be held 9:00 am -- 11:30 am on Saturday October 22, 2022. Please sign up here for the Virginia Tech Math Competition.
  • Do you love to write? Do you write well? Do you enjoy collaboration? Then you are an ideal candidate for the Sweetland Center's Peer Writing Consultant Program.
  • The 2022 IIT Princeton FinTech and Quant Trading Conference will happen November 5th. The conference features speakers and panelists from leading trading firms, banks, and hedge funds from around the country.  This year the conference is virtual.
  • Simio invites you to participate in their biannual simulation contest. In addition to the fame, glory, bragging rights, and opportunity to expose your work to potential employers there will be cash prizes!
  • Jane Street hosts many programs and events including their FOCUS and INSIGHT programs. Check them out.
  • University of Michigan Young Science Innovators (U-MYScI) is a student-run educational outreach organization aimed at increasing diversity and inclusivity in the sciences. If you are interested in directly helping young scientists in the Ann Arbor area and coming up with creative ways to explore science, please consider joining them.
  • What could be more fantastic than the one-two combination of excellent math skills and excellent writing skills? The Sweetland Writing Center's Minor in Writing provides the perfect vehicle for obtaining the latter. Applications are due by Monday, October 24th, via this process: Minor in Writing Application Process.
  • Reminder: The National Science Foundation has huge, absolutely enormous, graduate fellowships for seniors planning to continue on to graduate school (in many disciplines). Here's how to win one. Apply today -- deadlines fall in October, that is very soon.
  • Reminder. The Walking Club, which provides students of math with a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets outside of the Starbucks on South University (1214 S University Ave) at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every day Monday through Friday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.
  • Reminder. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!

 

Careers.

 

 

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

 

 

September 22

Dear Students of Mathematics,

A good way to manage your homework is by starting early -- Bagel Sundays may be the key to your success in this regard. A good way to map out your time at Michigan is by talking with a math advisor -- the Walking Club features walk-in advising every weekday at 6:05 am (in front of Starbucks on South University) or Sunday at 6:30 and/or 8 am (in front of the Sweetwaters on North 5th). A good way to multiply images is by visiting the mirror dimension -- the Where Has Your Math T-shirt Been? web page provides a less magical method to accomplish much the same thing (so please contribute!).

Speaking of maps, managing, and mirrors, be sure to check out today's 4PM Math Club talk that features Will Dana speaking on Managing multiple maps' matrices with mirrors. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens today at 4PM Ann Arbor time in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!

All sorts of announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

More math and mirrors,

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

  • The NY Federal Reserve is now accepting applications for their Junior Analyst internships (you must be graduating in Winter 2023 or Spring 2024). Candidates should apply by November 1st.
  • Reminder: Budapest Semesters in Mathematical Education (BSME) is a study abroad program in mathematics education. BSME participants explore the Hungarian pedagogy, in which a strong and explicit emphasis is placed on problem solving, mathematical creativity, and communication. BSME is accepting applications for the summer 2023 term. Be sure to apply through CGIS. More information here.

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

  • The Detroit Partnership is a service-learning organization at the University of Michigan, and they're looking for volunteers for their weekly programs in Detroit. There are a variety of programs available and transportation is provided for in-person programs. Students can volunteer as little as a half hour per week! Plus, we need more Math T-shirt Photos from Detroit.
  • To help preserve your summer memories do send in your Math T-shirt photos for the Where Has Your Math T-shirt Been? web page. Math T-shirts are available for purchase (seven dollars; exact change only) in the Student Services Office located at East Hall 2082. If you declared as a math major or minor in a virtual advising meeting, then be sure to stop by the Student Services office to say hello and to pick up your free Math T-shirt.
  • Reminder: The 2022 CGIS Study Abroad Fair is an excellent place to create plans for your contribution to the Where Has Your Math T-Shirt Been? web page. The Fair will take place Tuesday, October 1, from noon to 4 PM.

 

Opportunities:

  • QIS is a project based club offering real world, practical opportunities in Machine Learning, Statistics, Math, and Computer Science through the lens of the quantitative financial world. No experience necessary—if you love solving complex problems or have ever wondered “when will I use this?” in class, then apply (by the 28th) at qisumich.com or email qis.board@umich.edu with any questions.
  • The UNC Analysis and PDE Research Group will be holding an online seminar for undergraduate research in analysis.
  • The first ever mathematics communication seminar is happening today, September 22. from f to 5 pm in EH 1866. The first seminar will be a planning conversation followed by a discussion about the what mathematics communication encompasses, how it is done, and why we do it. To frame this discussion please read "The Role of Mathematicians in Popularization of Mathematics" by Christiane Rousseau and "Communicating Mathematics to Society at Large" by Günter Ziegler from the Proceedings of the ICM 2010. (You can find all readings for this seminar at https://tinyurl.com/mathCommSemF22)
  • This year, the Putnam Competition is on Saturday, December 3rd and the 42nd Virginia Tech Math Competition will be held 9:00 am -- 11:30 am on Saturday October 22, 2022. Please sign up here for Virginia Tech. Beginning September 26 a sign up link for the Putnam will appear here.
  • SIMIODE Challenge Using Differential Equations Modeling is an opportunity for teams of three undergraduate students to engage in modeling using differential equations. Win fame and glory for U(M)!
  • Interested in improving your English fluency? Then join a conversation circle!
  • The Hertz Foundation offers pretty big fellowships to help pay for graduate school in a broad array of STEM disciplines. Click here for more information.
  • The Detroit Area Council of Teachers of Mathematics has an annual scholarship for pre-service teachers concentrating in math. (It looks like their webpage has not been updated since 2019, so ask before applying.)
  • The National Collegiate Honors Council runs the Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity. They are looking for submissions from y'all.
  • Scientista at Michigan is a chapter of the national non-profit, Scientista Foundation, which seeks to empower pre-professional women in the professions of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). To this end, they organize events such as inspirational talks and panels, networking lunches, and workshops.
  • Reminder: Do you love to program? Looking for a challenge, camaraderie, and fun? Look no further: The UM Computer Programming Team has a long history of success and wants you! Join the UM team as they train for the ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest. There will be an informational meeting tonight from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Please contact Professor Kevin Compton for more information.
  • Reminder: The National Science Foundation has huge, absolutely enormous, graduate fellowships for seniors planning to continue on to graduate school (in many disciplines). Here's how to win one. Apply today -- deadlines fall in October, that is very soon.
  • Reminder. The Walking Club, which provides students of math with a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets outside of the Starbucks on South University (1214 S University Ave) at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every day Monday through Friday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.
  • Reminder. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!

 

Careers.

 

 

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

 

 

 

September 15

Dear Students of Mathematics,

It is important to ask the fundamental questions like "Who am I?', "Why am I here?", and "What is the Matrix?" For undergraduate students of mathematics, perhaps the most fundamental math question is: "What is the set of real numbers?"

Well, lucky you! Today's 4PM Math Club talk features Zach Deiman who will go about Constructing the real numbers. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens today at 4PM Ann Arbor time in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!

Special Announcement I: To help preserve your summer memories do send in your Math T-shirt photos for the Where Has Your Math T-shirt Been? web page. Math T-shirts are available for purchase (seven dollars; exact change only) in the Student Services Office located at East Hall 2082. If you declared as a math major or minor in a virtual advising meeting, then be sure to stop by the Student Services office to say hello and to pick up your free Math T-shirt.

Special Announcement II: Math Mental Health Hour (MMHH) meets in East Hall 1866 on alternate Sundays from 2:00pm to 3:00pm, starting September 18. Please fill out this form to let us know whether this time is convenient for you, and what you might be expecting:  There will be milk and cookies!

All sorts of announcements and opportunities may be found below my signature. Students who click through the announcements tend to be happier people.

Another fundamental question: Do numbers have souls?

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

 

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

 

Opportunities:

  • Do you love to program? Looking for a challenge, camaraderie, and fun? Look no further: The UM Computer Programming Team has a long history of success and wants you! Join the UM team as they train for the ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest. There will be an informational meeting tonight from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Please contact Professor Kevin Compton for more information.
  • This year, the Putnam Competition is on Saturday, December 3rd and the 42nd Virginia Tech Math Competition will be held 9:00 am -- 11:30 am on Saturday October 22, 2022. Please sign up here for Virginia Tech; you cannot yet register for the Putnam.
  • F.E.M.M.E.S. is dedicated to closing gender and racial divides in computer science and science, technology, engineering and math (CS/STEM) fields. They do this by hosting many activities designed to encourage students to learn and explore their potential in science, technology, engineering, and math. Check out their web page for more information.
  • Students of Mathematics have a very impressive track record when it comes to winning the Goldwater, Astronaut, and Churchill Scholarships. (If you are not impressed by the list, remember: Michigan has had only 16 Churchill's in its history and about 15 Astronaut Scholars.) If you have both a GPA above 3.9 and research experience, then you should seriously consider representing Michigan in these national competitions. If you are interested, please contact me pronto.
  • The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation provides up to $30,000 for the graduate education and professional development of outstanding young people committed to public service leadership. Students apply in their third undergraduate year and should have an outstanding record of public service activities and leadership. Michigan has yet to have a student of mathematics win this prestigious award. More information is available here.
  • The Raoul Wallenberg International Summer Travel Award is designed to allow recipients to take part in a community service project outside of the United States. Check out some of the amazing experiences that past recipients have had and get busy on your application.
  • Need funding for your student organization? Check out the Student Organization Funding Committee (SOFC)! SOFC is the branch of the Central Student Government that distributes funds to University-registered student organizations. Serving students from all 19 U-M schools and colleges, we are the largest student organization funding body on campus. To learn how to access these funds and apply for one of our weekly waves this semester, check out their website or email them at csgfunding@umich.edu
  • Join the NAM Undergraduate MATHFest XXXII! The virtual program will take place September 23 to 25 at Morgan State University. The program will feature undergraduate student poster and oral presentations, information about graduate school, networking and Problem Time.
  • masteryhour.org, a non-profit project which provides free math tutoring to K-12th grade children in Title I schools via zoom, is in urgent need of more volunteers. Here is some information about the program and becoming a tutor. 
  • Reminder: The National Science Foundation has huge, absolutely enormous, graduate fellowships for seniors planning to continue on to graduate school (in many disciplines). Here's how to win one. Apply today -- deadlines fall in October, that is very soon.
  • Reminder The Science, Mathematics, And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship Program fully funds undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide range of technical areas, including all fields of Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, and Mathematics.
  • Reminder: Math Circle. Now in its thirteenth year, Math Circle is a program for high school and middle school kids who live and breathe mathematics; it will meet on Thursday nights from 6:30 to 8 beginning September 22nd. I hope that you will consider helping to run the circle by taking some time on Thursday evenings to work with the students in small groups. University Policy requires all Math Circle volunteers to undergo a background check. Please contact Stephen DeBacker for more information.
  • Reminder. The Walking Club, which provides students of math with a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets outside of the Starbucks on South University (1214 S University Ave) at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every day Monday through Friday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.
  • Reminder. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!

 

Careers.

 

Clubs.

The Mathematics undergraduate population supports several clubs. If you don't see what you like, then start your own; the Department is always happy to sponsor mathematically oriented undergraduate organizations. Some clubs that may appeal to you:

  • MFAMS. Through member-only networking events with trading firms, educational seminars, trading competitions, and more, MFAMS puts students on the fast track to a career that uses financial math. See their web site for more details.
  • SAM. If applied math, insurance, or risk interests you, then consider joining the Student Actuaries at Michigan. Over 100 members (mostly actuarial science majors) benefit from the on-campus information sessions, actuarial exam subsidies, and professional networking events that SAM provides. In addition to their strengths in academic and professional development, prior to 2020 the SAM Tree Owls frequently make IM sports finals; I hope they will continue that tradition. Visit their web page for more information.
  • STEM Society. STEM Society aims to expose K-12 students, especially in lower socioeconomic areas, to inquiry-based learning in the fields of science and math. They hope to disprove common stereotypes that students may have about science and math as well as to increase the students' awareness of the diverse opportunities available in these fields. In addition, STEM Society strives to provide undergraduates with an interest in teaching or sharing their passion for science and math with opportunities to do so. For more information, please contact them by e-mail at stemsocietyboard@umich.edu.
  • SUMS. The Society of Mathematics Students is an organization whose goal is to facilitate friendships and community amongst mathematics majors and those interested in mathematics.  It is also the undergraduate volunteer arm of Michigan's Math Circle, a program for high school and middle school kids who live and breathe mathematics. If you are interested in joining SUMS on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8 beginning September 23rd to help with Math Circle, please contact Stephen DeBacker.
  • WIM. The Women in Mathematics club seeks to provide social and educational support for women studying mathematics and statistics. They provide opportunities to hear from female speakers in mathematics, allow members to meet others with similar academic interests, and provide peer support for classes and career options. WIM holds study nights, brings in speakers, and arranges group social events. No matter if you are already a member, or are interested in becoming a member, please fill out the form at: https://tinyurl.com/wim-signup. If you have any questions, please e-mail women.in.math.board@umich.edu.

 

http://www.math.lsa.umich.edu/missive

 

 

 

September 8

Dear Students of Mathematics,

This week, after nearly five months of Thursdays without pizza, pop, math, and fellowship Math Club returns.!! Today's 4PM Math Club talk features nomenclator Nate Harman who will discuss The Poincaré-Brouwer theorem on the 2-sphere. As always, everyone is invited, and it all happens today at 4PM Ann Arbor time in East Hall 1360. There will be pizza and pop!!!

Special Announcement I: Bagel Sundays. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!

Special Announcement II: The U(M) Mathematics & Physics Departments invite you to a theatre performance about the life of Emmy Noether. The performance of Diving Into Math With Emmy Noether will take place Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 7:00 pm in the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. Tickets are five dollars.

I would not have guessed that,

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu

 

 

All postings below are included due to their potential interest to students of mathematics. This does not imply endorsement of any particular program, opportunity, employer, etc.

Summer:

  • Girls Who Invest (GWI) is a 10-week summer intensive program which offers a tuition-free introduction to asset management, access to career development resources, and an incredible community of women and partner firms who are making an impact in finance. Apply here.
  • There are many internship opportunities at the National Security Agency. Applications are due around this time of year. This includes The Director's Summer Program.

T-shirt Photo Opportunities:

  • Many undergraduates enjoy attending the Budapest Semesters in Mathematics; the deadline for the spring term is usually mid September. Visit the BSM CGIS page to learn more. Mathematics alumna Amanda B. participated in the Budapest program twice and "highly recommends BSM for any math student with a sense of adventure."
  • Michigan Math (grad) alumnus Kevin Tucker is co-hosting the Undergraduate Mathematics Symposium at the University of Illinois, Chicago on Saturday, November 12. Students who have completed an undergraduate mathematical research project are invited to apply by September 30 to present a poster about your project.
  • We still have no Math T-shirt pictures from the extremely popular Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematics. Applications for the 2023 Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematics will open October 3. (By the way, Michigan Math alumna Judy Walker founded this conference 25 years ago.)
  • To help preserve your summer memories be sure to send in your Math T-shirt photos for the Where Has Your Math T-shirt Been? web page. Math T-shirts are available for purchase (seven dollars; exact change only) in the Undergraduate Student Services Office located at East Hall 2082.
  • GROW. Are you a female or non-binary undergraduate thinking about pursuing a PhD in math? Please consider applying to GROW (Graduate Research Opportunities for Women) 2022, to be held at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina from Friday October 21 – Sunday October 23.

Opportunities:

  • WOW! The U(M) Library has just received the ARGUS Gift, a large collection of rare, historic mathematics journals that were donated by Mathematical Reviews. The library is looking to hire students (~8 hours per week) to help them process the collection -- you would be making a large impact in the mathematical world because, for many of these journals, until they are processed no one has access to them anywhere in North America (and beyond). To show your interest in the job, please complete this form with "Processing of the ARGUS Gift" as the position for which you are applying.
  • Students of Mathematics at other Universities are always winning Fulbrights, not so much at Michigan. In fact, unless I am mistaken, Jeremy D'Silva is the only Fulbright Scholar from U(M) Math in the last twenty years. Let's change this! Plan to attend the final U(M) Fulbright information session September 12th, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM, at Weiser Hall 10th Floor. RSVP here.
  • The 2022 SIAM Great Lakes Section Annual Meeting is holding a mini-symposium on undergraduate research. If you would like to give a presentation, please register here by Saturday and contact Professor Kim (khyejin@umich.edu) or Dr. Kumar (rohini.kumar@wayne.edu) directly.
  • The National Science Foundation has huge, absolutely enormous, graduate fellowships for seniors planning to continue on to graduate school (in many disciplines). Here's how to win one. Apply today -- deadlines fall in October, that is very soon.
  • The Science, Mathematics, And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship Program fully funds undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide range of technical areas, including all fields of Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, and Mathematics.
  • Math Circle. Now in its thirteenth year, Math Circle is a program for high school and middle school kids who live and breathe mathematics; it will meet on Thursday nights from 6:30 to 8 beginning September 22nd. I hope that you will consider helping to run the circle by taking some time on Thursday evenings to work with the students in small groups. University Policy requires all Math Circle volunteers to undergo a background check. Please contact Stephen DeBacker for more information.
  • Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity that engages youth in Detroit? If so, Give Merit’s mentorship program, FATE, is looking for University of Michigan students to become mentors.  Check out this video to learn more about the FATE Program.
  • UMich Effective Altruism is excited to present the AI Safety Fundamentals Fellowship, a semester-long seminar program focused on the problem of aligning advanced AI to follow human values. If you’re interested in learning about machine learning, language models, AI interpretability, specification gaming, AI governance, or just care about making sure AI has a positive impact on the world, apply to the fellowship by Thursday, September 15th!
  • Michigan Interactive Investments (MII), a Michigan undergraduate student-run investment club, has traditionally sought math majors interested in finance to apply. MII has a stellar recruiting record. Many of their members have gone to intern and work at Apollo Global Management, The Blackstone Group, Bridgewater Associates, Centerview Partners, Intergroup, Evermore, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and RBC Capital Markets. They will have a mass meeting on September 13 at 7 pm in the Robertson Auditorium (in Ross).
  • Michigan Math alumna Sophia Kaplan reports that "one of my favorite things I did in Ann Arbor was tutor math at Peace Neighborhood Center, and so I am passing this opportunity along and highly recommending it to all math undergrads. Not only will you help a local high school student succeed academically, you will also get to know your tutee on a personal level and form a real relationship with them. Please put your amazing math talents to a good and important use and consider volunteering at Peace - it is something well worth making time for!"
  • Wolfram would like for you to use their products. To encourage you, they are offering live, hand-on training sessions.
  • Upchieve is a nonprofit whose mission is to give every low-income high school student access to a live tutor any time they need it. If you would like to volunteer to help out, please go here.
  • Frog Tutoring is looking for tutors. Apply here. Please, please, please: make sure that you are part of the solution, and not part of the problem
  • Bagel Sundays. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for Bagel Sundays. Come to the Math Atrium on Sundays at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!
  • The Walking Club, which provides students of math with a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets outside of the Starbucks on South University (1214 S University Ave) at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every day Monday through Friday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.
  • Reminder: The Directed Reading Program (DRP) pairs undergraduate students with graduate student mentors, for the duration of one semester, to work on an independent study project in Mathematics. These DRP projects can be on a variety of topics - e.g. elementary number theory, dynamical systems, differential geometry, and DRP students may also suggest their own topics as well! The organizational meeting will be held tonight, September 8th at 5:00 pm EST via Zoom https://umich.zoom.us/j/8981402987.

Careers.

  • D. E. Shaw's recruiting team is now accepting applications for their internship and full-time roles. Michigan students who have participated in D.E. Shaw's programs in the past report that it is an amazing experience. It is also a good place to play ping-pong.
  • The Analysis Group is looking to hire Students of Mathematics -- please check out their recruiting events.
  • NASA wants students of Math, too. Their DEVELOP Program is a (paying) opportunity for participants who are interested in practical applications of remote sensing and GIS, specifically in the field of Earth Science.
  • The Organization of Latino Actuaries Academy (OLAA) provides support on resume reviews, mock interviews, LinkedIn setup, and networking. Additionally, OLAA gives students access to virtual career fairs.
  • Michigan's Center for Entrepreneurship asks that you check out their two entrepreneurial practice programs called Entrepreneurs Leadership Program and TechLab at Mcity. Both look like excellent opportunities for students of mathematics!
  • AIESEC has many wonderful math T-shirt photo opportunities. Through AIESEC you can do (paid) intern work in financial mathematics, business analysis, education, and many others fields in over 100 countries.
  • Teach for America (more general than Math for America, but needs math teachers) has rolling monthly deadlines (beginning in August) that end in February.
  • StatFest is a free one-day virtual conference on September 17, 2022 at 12:00 noon ET aimed at encouraging undergraduate students from historically underrepresented groups to consider careers and graduate studies in statistics and data science. Register here.

Clubs.

The Mathematics undergraduate population supports several clubs. If you don't see what you like, then start your own; the Department is always happy to sponsor mathematically oriented undergraduate organizations. Some clubs that may appeal to you:

  • MFAMS. Through member-only networking events with trading firms, educational seminars, trading competitions, and more, MFAMS puts students on the fast track to a career that uses financial math. See their web site for more details.
  • SAM. If applied math, insurance, or risk interests you, then consider joining the Student Actuaries at Michigan. Over 100 members (mostly actuarial science majors) benefit from the on-campus information sessions, actuarial exam subsidies, and professional networking events that SAM provides. In addition to their strengths in academic and professional development, prior to 2020 the SAM Tree Owls frequently make IM sports finals; I hope they will continue that tradition. Visit their web page for more information.
  • STEM Society. STEM Society aims to expose K-12 students, especially in lower socioeconomic areas, to inquiry-based learning in the fields of science and math. They hope to disprove common stereotypes that students may have about science and math as well as to increase the students' awareness of the diverse opportunities available in these fields. In addition, STEM Society strives to provide undergraduates with an interest in teaching or sharing their passion for science and math with opportunities to do so. For more information, please contact them by e-mail at stemsocietyboard@umich.edu.
  • SUMS. The Society of Mathematics Students is an organization whose goal is to facilitate friendships and community amongst mathematics majors and those interested in mathematics.  It is also the undergraduate volunteer arm of Michigan's Math Circle, a program for high school and middle school kids who live and breathe mathematics. If you are interested in joining SUMS on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8 beginning September 23rd to help with Math Circle, please contact Stephen DeBacker.
  • WIM. The Women in Mathematics club seeks to provide social and educational support for women studying mathematics and statistics. They provide opportunities to hear from female speakers in mathematics, allow members to meet others with similar academic interests, and provide peer support for classes and career options. WIM holds study nights, brings in speakers, and arranges group social events. No matter if you are already a member, or are interested in becoming a member, please fill out the form at: https://tinyurl.com/wim-signup. If you have any questions, please e-mail women.in.math.board@umich.edu.

 

 

 

September 1

Dear Students of Mathematics,

Welcome back! We are excited to have y'all back on campus, and we look forward to seeing you at next week's Math Club. Here are a few announcements for you to ponder over during the upcoming three day holiday:

  • Bagel Sundays. All U(M) undergraduate students of mathematics are welcome to join us for the first Bagel Sunday of Fall 2022. Come to the Math Atrium on Sunday at 11:30 am to enjoy free bagels + cream cheese while getting an early start on your homework!
  • The Walking Club, which provides students of math with a chance to socialize outdoors and exercise a bit, meets outside of the Starbucks on South University (1214 S University Ave) at 6:05 am with a return time of 7:30 am every day Monday through Friday. On Sundays, they meet at 6:30 and/or 8:30 am at the Sweetwaters in Kerrytown. Join the Walking Club's discord server for updates about meeting time and location.
  • DRP. The Directed Reading Program (DRP) pairs undergraduate students with graduate student mentors, for the duration of one semester, to work on an independent study project in Mathematics. These DRP projects can be on a variety of topics - e.g. elementary number theory, dynamical systems, differential geometry, and DRP students may also suggest their own topics as well! The organizational meeting will be held on Thursday, September 8th at 5:00 pm EST via Zoom https://umich.zoom.us/j/8981402987.
  • oSTEM. Calling all LGBTQ+ students in STEM! Are you looking for community, social events, professional development, and more? Then join the Out in STEM (oSTEM) club. Their mass meeting is Friday, September 9 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM in Mason Hall room 2306. Sign up for their email list and discord for more information, or view their flyer.
  • Undergraduate Mathematics Seminar. The University of Michigan undergraduate mathematics seminar consists of biweekly talks given by junior/senior undergraduates in mathematics. The target audience for these talks is undergraduates familiar with the standard undergraduate curriculum including analysis, abstract algebra, and topology. The talks are on Fridays 4-5pm in East Hall 3096 and will include a snack provided by SUMS! The snack will likely consist of pizza/pop, but will be indicated on the schedule. The organizers are really excited for the seminar and it should be very fun.
  • Pride Outside: Pride Outside is the university's biggest pride celebration for LGBTQ+ students and oSTEM would love to see you there on Sunday, September 4 from 2:00 to 4:30 PM on the Palmer Field blacktops. Join them for music, FREE Kona Ice and t-shirts, a drag
    show, lawn games, and tons of cool LGBTQ+ and affirming student organizations and local groups! See this flyer or email ostem-board@umich.edu for more information.
  • QIS. If  creating algorithms and building models for the financial world is your thing, then consider joining the Quantitative Investment Society. Their mass meeting will be held on Sunday, September 11, at 3:00 pm in 2306 Mason Hall.
  • SAM (server is down as of this writing). If applied math, insurance, or risk interests you, then consider joining the Student Actuaries at Michigan. Over 100 members (mostly actuarial science majors) benefit from the on-campus information sessions, actuarial exam subsidies, and professional networking events that SAM provides. In addition to their strengths in academic and professional development, the SAM Tree Owls frequently make IM sports finals (when those things happen). A mass meeting will be held Tuesday 9/6 from 6:30pm-8pm, East Hall 4448.
  • STEM Society. STEM Society aims to expose K-12 students, especially in lower socioeconomic areas, to inquiry-based learning in the fields of science and math. They hope to disprove common stereotypes that students may have about science and math as well as to increase the students' awareness of the diverse opportunities available in these fields. In addition, STEM Society strives to provide undergraduates with an interest in teaching or sharing their passion for science and math with opportunities to do so. For more information, please contact them by e-mail at stemsocietyboard@umich.edu.
  • WIM. The Women in Mathematics club seeks to provide social and educational support for women studying mathematics and statistics. They provide opportunities to hear from female speakers in mathematics, allow members to meet others with similar academic interests, and provide peer support for classes and career options. WIM holds study nights, brings in speakers, and arranges group social events. If you have any questions, please e-mail women.in.math.board@umich.edu.
  • MFAMS. Through member-only networking events with trading firms, educational seminars, trading competitions, and more, MFAMS puts students on the fast track to a career that uses financial math. Be on the lookout for details about their mass meeting for the fall term. See their web site for more details.
  • Tutoring Opportunity. The SuccessConnects Program in the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives is looking for Math tutors. For more information, visit their website. You may apply here. Tutoring I Job ID: 67793
  • Another Tutoring Opportunity. The Academic Success Program is recruiting tutors for the Fall 2022 semester. They are looking for intelligent, professional and personable people who are interested in sharing their knowledge with others. Tutors need to be incredibly quick-thinkers with the ability to explain concepts in a variety of methods to a diverse group of learners. Outstanding communication skills are necessary. The following courses are ones in which tutors are needed: MATH 105; MATH 115; MATH 214; MATH 215; and MATH 216 A detailed explanation of the responsibilities and requirements for the tutor position may be found here. If you believe you would be a good candidate for the position, feel free to apply here.
  • GROW. Are you a female or non-binary undergraduate thinking about pursuing a PhD in math? Please consider applying to GROW (Graduate Research Opportunities for Women) 2022, to be held at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina from Friday October 21 – Sunday October 23.
  • Morgan Stanley's 2023 Firm Risk Management Summer Analyst Program is taking applications. https://morganstanley.tal.net/vx/candidate/apply/12817

What's Cooler than Magic?

--Stephen

Stephen DeBacker
Undergraduate Program Director
mathematics-upd@umich.edu