Suzanne Weekes, Professor of Mathematical Sciences, has received an award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the project “PIC Math: Preparation for Industrial Careers in the Mathematical Sciences.”
This award, which is part of $1.5 million in total funding, continues the PIC Math (Preparation for Industrial Careers in Mathematical Sciences) program of the Mathematical Association of America, which Dr. Weekes co-directs with Michael Dorff of Brigham Young University and now also with Darren Narayan of Rochester Institute of Technology. PIC Math aims to increase awareness among mathematical sciences faculty and undergraduate students about nonacademic career options; provide research experience working on questions from business, industry, and government; and foster excellent communication skills. The PIC Math program provides faculty with tools and training to help them better prepare students for business, industry, and government (BIG) careers. To accomplish this, the principal investigators conduct summer training workshops for faculty, help faculty organize a semester-long research-focused course for undergraduate students, organize a competition and summer recognition conference for participating undergraduate students, and secure support from BIG entities.