Abbreviation CURM Founder Michael Dorff | Formation 2006 (2006) | |
Founded at Brigham Young University | ||
The Center for Undergraduate Research in Mathematics (CURM) is an undergraduate mathematical sciences research skills development program funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). CURM is administered by Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. It has been recognized by the American Mathematical Society as a Program That Makes a Difference. Its stated goals are to promote undergraduate research at colleges and universities throughout the United States.
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History
CURM was founded in 2006 by BYU mathematics professor Michael Dorff. From 2006-2015, 348 undergraduate mathematics students have participated in the program under the direction of 110 professors from 79 different U.S. universities and colleges.
In 2015, the American Mathematical Society (AMS) selected CURM for its “Mathematics Programs that Make a Difference” award for “significant efforts to encourage students from underrepresented groups to continue in the study of mathematics.”
Leadership
Michael Dorff has been the director of CURM since its founding in 2006.
Co-Directors are selected each year. Co-directors have included:
The National Advisory Board consists of:
Selection of Participants
Mathematics faculty at any U.S. college or university may apply to participate in CURM, but particular attention is given to institutions with underrepresented student groups (HSI, HBCU), and to those that do not provide Ph.D. programs.
Faculty are selected based on an online application form including personal and research statements, a CV, and a letter of support from department chair or dean. Each selected faculty member identifies 2-5 of her/his students for participation based on demographic guidelines established by CURM. Special emphasis is given to females, minorities, 1st generation college students, and disabled students. The number of participating faculty and students depends on funding.
The Program
Faculty members whose applications are accepted by CURM are awarded grants of $15,000-$25,000. These consist of a $3,000 stipend for each participating student, a $6,000 stipend for each professor/mentor, $250 in supply funds, and up to $650 per participant for travel.
Student participants give a presentation at the spring Student Research Conference usually held at Brigham Young University. Faculty members also come to BYU for a 3-day workshop on mentoring skills.