# Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

## Structure of LSU REU in Mathematics

We have had an REU here since the summer of 1993, with funding from LEQSF and NSF. For the summer of 2013,  the total budgeted to each student is approximately \$5,650, comprised of a \$4,000 in cash stipend, and the balance for 8 weeks of housing on campus. The multiplicity of directors: Hoffman (algebraic geometry), Morales (number theory) and Stoltzfus (braid/knot theory) insures that participants receive plenty of individual attention.

### Eligibility

US citizens and permanent residents who will be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in both Spring and Fall of 2012. Preference will be given to students who will have completed two to three years of undergraduate mathematics, including a course in abstract and/or advanced linear algebra with some experience writing proofs. Participants are expected to devote full time to the program, precluding other course work and outside employment.

### REU 2014 Announcement:  REU on Sabbatical for Summer 2014

All three faculty mentors are currently on sabbatical leave. Due to this triple coincidence, the LSU REU will be on sabbatical for the summer of 2014.

The REU will return in the summer of 2015 with  Neal Stoltzfus, Jorge Morales,  and William Hoffman of the LSU Math Department directing.

Prospective 2015 Themes: Invariants in Galois Theory, Geometry and Knot theory

Summer 2015 Program Dates Sun. 31 May - Fri. 24 Jul, 2015.

2013 Themes: Invariants in Galois Theory, Geometry and Knot theory

We will explore the interaction of several areas of mathematics centering around  braids and knots, group actions & Galois theory, graphs and polyhedra, as well as modular and related functions. Specifically, our proposed projects will be individually and collaboratively designed and will involve  structures of graphs embedded on surfaces (dessins, 2-dimensional ribbon/fat graphs) and their use in the theory of braids and knots,  polynomial functions of graphs and group actions and relationships with modular functions. More details are found under General Information and particularly under Topics (for 2012) below.

### Application Forms: Online ApplicationorEmail Application Form

Your complete application consists of the following:

1. Completed application form (online or emailed to reu@math.lsu.edu).
2. Recommendations from two mathematician (emailed to reu@math.lsu.edu or by post).
3. Copy of your college transcript (A scanned copy in PDF format can be attached and emailed to reu@math.lsu.edu).

If an application cannot be filed electronically, please mail a hardcopy to the following address: LSU Math REU-2015 Attn: Neal W. Stoltzfus Department of Mathematics Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA 70803-4918  All vacancies are now filled.