Posted 8:40 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010
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UW-L received a $236,822 National Science Foundation grant.[/caption]
UW-L's Mathematics and Biology departments aren't new to collaborative teaching projects. For three years, the Mathematics Department has offered two courses for biology majors, including Introduction to BioStatistics and Mathematical Modeling in Biology. And, UW-L's Statistical Consulting Center has conducted statistical analysis for both biology faculty and students.
Now, the two departments will be able to collaborate even more, thanks to a $236,822 National Science Foundation (NSF) Interdisciplinary Training for Undergraduates in Biological and Mathematical Sciences (UBM) Grant. They've established the UBM-Collaboration on Riverine Ecology (CORE) program designed to integrate mathematics and biology through research and learning experiences.
"The extended nature of this grant will foster additional conversations and interactions between the two departments," says James Peirce, Mathematics. "Student graduates of the program will possess a unique set of skills attractive to both industry and graduate school."Peirce and Barbara Bennie, both Mathematics; and Roger Haro and Greg Sandland, both Biology; spearheaded the grant application to expand mathematical biology proficiency.
This was the group's third attempt in four years to obtain the grant. UW-Milwaukee is the only other UW System school to have acquired this kind of grant. The grant will provide students with a unique academic experience in the Midwest, Peirce notes.
"Great scientists are individuals who exhibit proficiency across disciplines and who have the ability to communicate with scientists of varying backgrounds," Peirce explains. "Understanding the complexities of natural systems requires multifactorial approaches and interdisciplinary collaborations. One of the key interactions is between biology and mathematics, where empirical parameters from controlled experiments can be integrated into a mathematical framework to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how natural systems function."
The grant will allow two math students and two biology students each year to work in interdisciplinary teams to tackle Mississippi River region issues. Bennie, Haro, Peirce and Sandland will mentor students throughout the program, which will include formal classroom lectures and summer research projects. Students in the program will summarize their results in a series of podcasts. The podcasts will be shared with faculty from both disciplines as examples for their courses.
Research mentors will host a UBM-CORE night in September to discuss with students the opportunities and goals of the program. Student applications for the program will be accepted in October. Find out more about the program and how to apply at www.uwlax.edu/faculty/peirce/CORE/.
For more about UW-L's Mathematics Department, visit www.uwlax.edu/mathematics/dept/index.htm.
For more about UW-L's Biology Department, visit www.uwlax.edu/biology/.
UW-L received a $236,822 National Science Foundation grant.[/caption]
UW-L's Mathematics and Biology departments aren't new to collaborative teaching projects. For three years, the Mathematics Department has offered two courses for biology majors, including Introduction to BioStatistics and Mathematical Modeling in Biology. And, UW-L's Statistical Consulting Center has conducted statistical analysis for both biology faculty and students.
Now, the two departments will be able to collaborate even more, thanks to a $236,822 National Science Foundation (NSF) Interdisciplinary Training for Undergraduates in Biological and Mathematical Sciences (UBM) Grant. They've established the UBM-Collaboration on Riverine Ecology (CORE) program designed to integrate mathematics and biology through research and learning experiences.
"The extended nature of this grant will foster additional conversations and interactions between the two departments," says James Peirce, Mathematics. "Student graduates of the program will possess a unique set of skills attractive to both industry and graduate school."Peirce and Barbara Bennie, both Mathematics; and Roger Haro and Greg Sandland, both Biology; spearheaded the grant application to expand mathematical biology proficiency.
This was the group's third attempt in four years to obtain the grant. UW-Milwaukee is the only other UW System school to have acquired this kind of grant. The grant will provide students with a unique academic experience in the Midwest, Peirce notes.
"Great scientists are individuals who exhibit proficiency across disciplines and who have the ability to communicate with scientists of varying backgrounds," Peirce explains. "Understanding the complexities of natural systems requires multifactorial approaches and interdisciplinary collaborations. One of the key interactions is between biology and mathematics, where empirical parameters from controlled experiments can be integrated into a mathematical framework to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how natural systems function."
The grant will allow two math students and two biology students each year to work in interdisciplinary teams to tackle Mississippi River region issues. Bennie, Haro, Peirce and Sandland will mentor students throughout the program, which will include formal classroom lectures and summer research projects. Students in the program will summarize their results in a series of podcasts. The podcasts will be shared with faculty from both disciplines as examples for their courses.
Research mentors will host a UBM-CORE night in September to discuss with students the opportunities and goals of the program. Student applications for the program will be accepted in October. Find out more about the program and how to apply at www.uwlax.edu/faculty/peirce/CORE/.
For more about UW-L's Mathematics Department, visit www.uwlax.edu/mathematics/dept/index.htm.
For more about UW-L's Biology Department, visit www.uwlax.edu/biology/.