The Mathematics Honors Program was initiated in 1983 to provide opportunities for outstanding undergraduate mathematics students to apply their mathematical training to the solution of applied research problems in engineering and science and to become aware of potential careers which require mathematical training.Since applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2, the program is an honors program, although it is not directly connected with the University Scholars Program. Each participant will work for an ARL faculty supervisor on a specific, unclassified, challenging project. Therefore the student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Students also have available Mathematics Department faculty who will advise them on mathematical aspects of their project.
Participants are ordinarily expected to start their projects on or about June 1 during the summer session after their junior year and then complete the project during the fall and spring semesters of their senior year. Thus, the program extends over a full calendar year for each student.
Participants are eligible to receive academic credit for their work and are expected to write an unclassified report. Some students may elect to do an University Honors Program thesis. Students are also encouraged to contribute to external publications.
The program supports the students up to (and ordinarily equal to) full-time in the summer session and up to half-time in the fall and spring semesters of their senior year. An attempt will be made to find full or partial project funding for the summer session, but if not available, the student will be supported from overhead funds. The pay rates for the students match the rates for students in the George F. Wislicenus Engineering Honors Program and the Computer Science Honors Program. At the moment the rate is $10.50 per hour.
At the end of the summer session each participant's work will be reviewed to verify that sufficient progress has been made to warrant continuation into the senior year.
To apply, you will need to submit a completed application form by January 5 2004 to Linda Fisher in 107 Whitmore and have a knowledgeable faculty member (or previous work supervisor) to write a short note of support. You can obtain an application form here. To print it, you will need to use a pdf reader, such as Adobe's free Acrobat Reader. Printed copies of the form may be obtained from Professor W. Dale Brownawell, 404 McAllister Building, wdb@math.psu.edu.