RTG and PIF Research Experience for Undergraduates

As a member of the RTG-PIF-REU, you will 

- learn to communicate science effectively;

- learn about applying to graduate schools and/or veterinary schools.      

From the mathematics side.....

- learn mathematical ideas fundamental for data science;

- learn to use basic tools for data-intensive scientific computing;

- gain experience applying these tools to concrete problems of data-driven modeling and inference under the guidance of RTG faculty, postdocs, and graduate students.

 From the equine science side.....

 -learn basic horsemanship skills fundamental for equine-related careers;

-learn how mathematics and engineering tools are being applied to equine biomechanics;

-learn about equine behavior and welfare.                                    

Qualifications for mathematics students (and related fields): We expect all REU students to have completed a standard calculus sequence (including vector calculus) and have had some exposure to linear algebra and differential equations at the time they start the REU. Some of our projects may benefit from additional background knowledge. Experience with some form of programming, e.g., Matlab or Python, is helpful but not required. (If you're interested but unsure whether you qualify, just ask!)

Qualifications for Animal Science or Vet Science students  (and related fields): We expect all REU students to have completed a basic course in the life sciences. Experience with horses is useful but not required. 

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APPLICATION. Funding for mathematical students is provided by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).  The grant provides support for US citizens and permanent residents. Funding for equine science students (including math and engineering students interested in equine science) is provided by the Provosts Investment Fund and does not have citizenship restrictions. To apply, fill out the following application (you may apply to both programs):

• Mathematics students: Start your application here.

• Equine Science Students: Start your application here.

Review begins March 17 and will continue until all positions are filled

Note that we do ask for 2 letters from all applicants. Please email Prof. Laura Miller (lauram9@arizona.edu) if you have any questions.  Letters of recommendation may be emailed to lauram9@arizona.edu.

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MORE DETAILS ON THE PROGRAM

The main Summer 2025 RTG-REU activity is the Data Driven Discovery Bootcamp.  This will tentatively start June 30 and run through August 5.  

For all students, full-time, 40-hour-per-week commitment is required for the duration of the program.  Eligible participants will receive a stipend so they can focus on their summer research.

Preliminary topics for 2024 are

• Data assimilation for nonlinear chaotic dynamics (Prof. Kevin Lin and Dr. Shay Gilpin)

• Data driven modeling and machine learning of dynamical systems (Prof. Kevin Lin)

• Horse biomechanics, including gait analysis and cardiovascular fluid dynamics (Prof. Laura Miller)

• Equine behavior and welfare (Prof. Netzin Stelkis)  

• Equine genetics (Prof. Haley Collins)

Depending on interest and pending budget and advisor availability, we may be able to arrange projects with other RTG and PIF faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. Let us know your areas of interest and/or whom you'd like to work within your application, and we'll do our best to match you with a suitable advisor and project!