Building Capacity for Undergraduate Research in Mathematics: A Case Study at Georgia College

Abstract

The Georgia College mathematics department has reimagined its major requirements to integrate meaningful undergraduate research experiences. We have developed and implemented a multi-year action plan to transform our major. In this article we discuss how the department has developed and implemented a year-long research experience as a capstone requirement. We address how we gained faculty and student buy-in, built a curriculum to support the experience, and developed assessment and evaluation tools. We conclude with a discussion of challenges and next steps in the program.

Keywords:

• Undergraduate research
• capstone
• mentorship
• public university
• liberal arts

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ryan Brown

Ryan Brown received his bachelor’s degree history and physics from Cornell College in Iowa and doctorate in mathematics from the University of Missouri. He is interested in applications of algebraic geometry and the mathematics of pre-Columbian cultures. He has led study abroad programs and directed undergraduate research projects in Peru. In addition to travel with his students and family Ryan likes to ride his bicycle(s) and read.

Marcela Chiorescu

Marcela Chiorescu was born in Braila, Romania. She graduated from A.I. Cuza University, Romania with a major in mathematics and certification to teach middle and high school mathematics. After 2 years of teaching middle school mathematics in Romania, she decided to start graduate school. She received a master’s degree in partial differential equations and applications from A.I. Cuza University and a doctorate in mathematics from Florida Atlantic University. Her research interests are in commutative algebra and connections between mathematics and the arts. She enjoys traveling, biking, and cooking.

Darin Mohr

Darin Mohr is an applied mathematician who is interested in mathematics education and sports analytics. His career goal is to develop mathematical insight that will help send his favorite baseball team, the Milwaukee Brewers, back to the World Series. He enjoys ultra-marathons, gardening, blues music, and licorice tea.