The MSRI Undergraduate Program (MSRI--UP) is a comprehensive summer program designed for undergraduate students who have completed two years of university-level mathematics courses and would like to conduct research in the mathematical sciences. The main objective of the MSRI-UP is to identify talented students, especially those from underrepresented groups, who are interested in mathematics and make available to them meaningful research opportunities, the necessary skills and knowledge to participate in successful collaborations, and a community of academic peers and mentors who can advise, encourage and support them through a successful graduate program.

In 2017, MSRI-UP focused on Solving Systems of Polynomial Equations, a topic at the heart of almost every computational problem in the physical and life sciences. We will pay special attention to complexity issues, highlighting connections with tropical geometry, number theory, and the P vs. NP problem. The research program was led by Prof. J. Maurice Rojas of Texas A&M University.

Students who have had a linear algebra course and a course in which they have had to write proofs were eligible to apply. Due to funding restrictions, only U.S. citizens and permanent residents may apply for MSRI-UP regardless of funding. Members of underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Program Description

During the summer, each of the 18 student participants will:

participate in the mathematics research program under the direction of Dr. Luis Garcia-Puente of Sam Houston State University, a post-doc and two graduate students
complete a research project done in collaboration with other MSRI-UP students
give a presentation and write a technical report on his/her research project
attend a series of colloquium talks given by leading researches in their fields
attend workshops aimed at developing skills and techniques needed for research careers in the mathematical sciences and
learn techniques that will maximize a student's likelihood of admissions to graduate programs as well as the likelihood of winning fellowships
receive a $3100 stipend, lodging, meals and round trip travel to Berkeley, CA.

After the summer, each student will:

have an opportunity to attend a national mathematics or science conference where students will present their research
be part of a network of mentors that will provide continuous advice in the long term as the student makes progress in his/her studies
be contacted regarding future research opportunities

Application Materials

Applications for MSRI-UP 2017 were submitted via MathPrograms, which lists the required application materials. Due to funding restrictions, only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply, and the program cannot accept foreign students regardless of funding. In addition, students who have already graduated or will have graduated with a bachelor's degree by August 31, 2017 were not eligible to apply. Applications submitted by February 15, 2017 received full consideration. (Applications submitted after February 15, 2017 but by March 1, 2017 were considered in a second round of acceptances.) Offers for participation were sent in late February through early March 2017.