The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) selected SJC Long Island as one of the Colleges in the 2021-2022 cohort of their Preparation for Industrial Careers in Mathematical Sciences (PIC Math) program.
Through the research project, St. Joseph’s College students will have a chance to try and solve a real-world math problem by collaboratively applying mathematical concepts.
“For almost 10 years, I have been guiding students in projects related to the types of theoretical mathematics I generally think about,” said Cheyne Glass (Miller), Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics and computer science, and director of undergraduate research. “I think it has been rather successful, but it also has been limited in the sense that I have found it difficult to give students that ‘real-world problem-solving’ experience I know many of our students (and their future employers) are keen on.
“This mini grant guides faculty like myself in leading applied mathematics research projects for undergraduate students, where these projects come from cooperating industry partners,” Dr. Glass continued. “So not only does this grant offer a nice structure for someone like myself who isn’t familiar with projects in applied mathematics, but the students are solving problems that some company or organization actually cares about.”
Participation in the PIC Math Program
More information regarding how to apply to participate in the project will be made available in June. A select few will then attend a student-recognition conference at the national MAA MathFest in Washington, D.C., in August 2022.
“This program will benefit our entire SJC community,” Dr. Glass said. “My hope with all undergraduate research is that the other students in the College get inspired by this work and see themselves as future researchers and independent learners. It is my belief that such project-based learning can really unlock some students’ potential and ambitions in ways that classroom learning can sometimes fall flat.
“Further, I hope that other faculty in our undergraduate research community might take note and find similar opportunities for students in other departments. With programs like this one, I think everyone wins,” he added.
Funding for this project is provided by National Science Foundation (NSF) grant DMS-1722275 through the MAA Preparation for Industrial Careers in Mathematical Sciences (PIC Math) Program and the National Security Agency (NSA).
