Goal

Applied mathematics begins with a problem. Problems arise naturally from everyday observations, from a striking passage in an article, or from a question that lingers after reading a paper. Both are great starting points. The key is curiosity.

When you encounter such a problem, you rarely have all the math tools ready at hand. That gap is not an obstacle, but is the engine. Motivated by the problem, you seek out the math you need! You learn new techniques, adapt existing ones, and build toward a solution. This is how applied math actually works in practice.

When you finally arrive at a result, it becomes difficult to keep it to yourself. You want to share it. That impulse is exactly what drives a seminar/conference talk.

The goal of final project is to experience this full arc in miniature. You will identify a problem that interests you, engage with the math it needs, work toward a result, and then communicate what you found to others in a short presentation. The project is not about solving a hard problem perfectly. It is about going through the process honestly. From curiosity, through struggle, to a result worth sharing. 

I hope you also enjoy this process!

How It Works

Start by forming a small group of 2-3 people. Get to know each other. Not just names, but scientific interests and backgrounds. A good group is not one where everyone knows the same thing, but one where your skills complement each other.

Together, choose a problem or a paper that interests the group. It does not have to be famous or difficult. It just has to be something you actually want to understand.

From there, you have about 3-4 weeks. Read, discuss, get stuck, and work through it together. The timeline is short by design. The goal is not to become an expert, but to make honest progress on something real.

At the end, you will present what you found to the class. Presentation should be 20-25 minutes followed by 5 minutes of questions/discussion.

Presentation Rubric

Sound final presentation will address the following points:

• What is the problem? Clear explanation of the main scientific question and problem/model setup.

• Why does it matter? Enough background and context for the audience to appreciate the problem.

• How did you solve it? Concise and intuitive explanation of the methods used.

• What are the results? Clear and intuitive explanation of the findings, connecting back to the  question and methods.

• Peer evaluation