Courses
This year I'm teaching MA211 and MA362 in the fall and MA202 in the spring. Go to Blackboard for more information.
Undergraduate Research Projects
As a computational number theorist, I have a number of projects that are accessible to motivated undergraduates with knowledge of how to code. SAGE is a free open source computer algebra system in whose development I am involved. Sample projects would be to implement the following in SAGE:
- An algorithm (or two) you've learned in a class you've taken that is currently not in SAGE (e.g, SAGE is written mostly by pure mathematicians so there are relatively few applied algorithms).
- Algorithms I have developed in my research that I intend to implement in SAGE but haven't yet gotten to.
- Implementing algorithms in the literature and using them to experimentally determine if certain parallels hold between Siegel and classical modulars forms and, if they do, to try and prove them. I wouldn't expect you to know anything about modular forms, you'd just need patience and coding skills.
The above are mostly related directly to my research. I'm also willing to propose other kinds of projects to you and to hear out any project you might want to suggest.
Extramural Math Programs
These are just the ones I know of. If you know of others, please let me know.
- Research Experiences for Undergraduates are paid, National Science Foundation sponsored
8-week long summer programs that get motivated undergraduates involved in real mathematical research.
- Summer Program for Women in Math is a great way to spend your summer. You get paid, are in a great city, and learn a lot of math.
- Budapest Semester in Mathematics is an opportunity to study math in one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Classes are taught in English, your classmates are all US or Canadian undergrads.
- Math in Moscow affords you the chance to study math in one of Europe's most historic cities. Unlike the program in Budapest, this program brings in undergrads from all over the world, not just North America.
- The Center for Women in Mathematics at Smith College offers a junior study away option. Motivated junior women can take courses at Smith for a year.
- MASS Program at Penn State offers you the chance to learn some high powered math and to become involved in research. Offered in the fall of every year.
Letters of Recommendation
If you would like me to write you a letter of reference for grad school/an award/a summer program, two weeks before the application deadline, bring me a folder containing:
- a copy of your transcripts
- a copy of the personal statement you'll be submitting in your application
- all forms I need to submit my letter
- addressed Bucknell math envelopes (see Polly Doyle) without stamps
- answers to the following questions:
- Name, year, major?
- Describe for what it is you're applying (award, reu, scholarship, etc)
- When is my letter due?
- If you've had classes with me, what do you think you did to distinguish yourself in them.
- What makes me a reasonable person to write a letter on your behalf?
- What are some of your academic and nonacademic accomplishments?
- Why do you think you're particularly qualified for the particular thing you're applying for?
- What are your long term goals, and would the thing you're applying for help you reach those goals?
- Anything else you can think of that I might want to mention in my letter?
Please send me email reminders as the due date approaches. Also, please feel free to stop by my office if you'd like to chat about your applications and the letter-writing process.