Structured Interdisciplinary
Research Experiences in
Mathematics and Biology
Glenn Ledder
Department of Mathematics
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
gledder@math.unl.edu
http://www.math.unl.edu/~RUTE
Biology and Math Majors:
Are you looking for an undergraduate experience
that will make you stand out from the crowd of
graduate school and job applicants?
Do you like to get your hands muddy? Are you
interested in catching turtles? Weighing them?
Learning all there is to know about them?
Do you wonder why some ponds have lots of
turtles and others have few? Why the turtles in
one pond bigger than those in another?
• Apply for the RUTE1 Scholars program for
– a long-term structured introduction to
interdisciplinary research in biology and
mathematics
– an all-expenses-paid 10-week trip to
Cedar Point Biological Station
– a generous summer stipend
1Research
for
Undergraduates in
Theoretical
Ecology
Research in Mathematics
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Original – can’t find the answer with Google
Open-ended – not clear where to start / where to go
Abstract – function properties, not formulas
General – all cases considered
Thorough – no loose ends
Important – judged publishable by the math community
Undergraduate Research
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•
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Original – can’t find the answer with Google
Open-ended – not clear where to start / where to go
somewhat Abstract
somewhat General
• Give up Thorough and Important
Requirements for Success
• Assume enthusiasm, energy, ability
Students also need
– Preparation: deep background knowledge
– Maturity: ability to cope with confusion
• More direction than grad students
– Ownership: personal connection to problem
• As much independence as is practical
– Commitment: enough time for the job
Preparation
• Prospective RUTE Math students take
– Genetics
– Ecology and Evolution
• Prospective RUTE Biology students take
– Calculus I (for biology and medicine)
– Math Methods for Biology and Medicine
• dynamical systems and probability
• Neither the biology nor the mathematics are
likely to be sophisticated.
The RUTE Scholars Program
• Maturity
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
 4 students: 2 biology and 2 math
 ≥ 2 mentors: 1 biology and 1 math
• Ownership
 Preliminary theoretical work
 Student-directed project design
• Commitment
 3 semesters, 7 credits
 10-week summer program (3 credits)
1. Focused preparation
• 2-credit reading course in spring semester
– Topics:
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biological theory of research area
mathematical background for research area
field methods
experiment design
– Format:
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students work together
students help choose topics and find sources
guest lectures as needed
students do papers and talks
2. Summer field experience
• 10 weeks in residence at Cedar Point
Biological Station
– full-time graduate student support
– 2 weeks with biology faculty mentor
– 1 week visit by math faculty mentor
3. Data analysis and modeling
• 3-credit independent study in fall semester
– data analysis
– mathematical modeling
• Students may work alone, in small groups, or all
together
• Close mentoring relationship with math mentor
4. Presentation
• 2-credit independent study in spring
semester
– prepare a research poster
– prepare a conference talk
– prepare a paper for a professional or
undergraduate journal
Ancillary Programs
• Research groups are expected to present
preliminary results as a poster at the
annual meeting of an interdepartmental
Ecology and Evolution society.
• Funds are available for students to present
work at JMM or the Ecological Society of
America.
Transition Program
• There is also a RUTE Summer Scholars
program.
– Research Skills in Theoretical Ecology course
• Team-taught by a biologist and a mathematician
• Minimal background required
• Brief 4-phase experience: focused preparation,
laboratory research, data analysis and modeling,
poster preparation
– Room and board plus stipend
RUTE Summer Scholars program
• Non-UNL students may participate,
especially students between 2-year and
B.S. programs.
• http://www.math.unl.edu/~RUTE