CCR is proud to be a part of the Undergraduate Research Group Experiences (URGE) to Compute project that provides apprenticeships worth $10,000 to each of 12 students annually to conduct research of a computational nature in mathematics and the mathematical sciences. URGE to Compute is the implementation in Buffalo of the National Science Foundation’s CSUMS program. It is a collaboration of the UB and Buffalo State Mathematics Departments, the UB Physics Department, the UB Center for Computational Research, and the Hauptman Woodward Medical Research Institute. Each year the project has a theme and 4 team research projects unified by that theme are carried out by the students under the guidance of faculty mentors. In 2009, the theme is modeling processes with randomness, and the projects will investigate agricultural pest populations, optical fiber communications, the functioning of the human kidney, and strategies in armed conflict.

Students interested in applying for the 2009 program should do so as soon as possible. More information can be found on the project website: www.urgetocompute.info

The kick-off event for faculty and interested students involved with this project will be held on Saturday, October 11th from 10am in the Zebro Room at the Center for Excellence in Bioinformatics. The goals and structure of the program will be outlined, and the specific projects for the 2009 year will be described by the 4 project mentors. There will be a hands-on activity to convey the flavor of the 2009 projects, and an opportunity for informal discussion among students and faculty over lunch. Please contact Dr. John Ringland for more information.