Agenda for CURE 2023

The CURE 2023 summer program will be held both online using the digital platform Gather Town, and in person at the Illinois State University, Normal Illinois. There are two phases of the program: the online prep sessions, which begin May 15 and end June 2, 2023, and the in-person session at ISU Normal which will take place from June 5th to June 10th, 2023. 

The program will give boot camp style lessons on the following topics: programming with Python, R, Latex/Overleaf, Dynamical Systems and Matrix Models, Ecological and Epidemiological Modeling, Probability & Statistics, Stochastic Models, Parameter Estimation, Machine Learning & Neural Networks, and in Professional Development. One hour of daily homework and weekly hands-on group problem solving sessions give students an opportunity to practice what they learn.

The research phase offers more flexibility in schedule as students meet weekly with their research groups. During this phase, students will not only be applying what they have learned to a real life societal problem but they will also be working towards a possible publication of their work. This phase will conclude with a poster presentation at the annual Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research Conference later this year.

This program aims to build a network of experience and opportunity to challenge and support motivated students in overcoming barriers to career success. At the heart of the program are guest speakers and mentoring opportunities which will give the students extra support needed to take their academic studies to the next level.

Students will pick from a variety of research topics and will be paired with a mentor. They will continue to work with their research group throughout the summer, receiving the support and guidance needed to present their work at the annual symposium on Biomathematics Ecology Education and Research (BEER) during the fall.