Department to Receive Funds for Research, Education Initiatives

The National Science Foundation announced in January that a joint VIGRE (Vertical Integration of Research and Education in the Mathematical Sciences) proposal submitted by the Mathematics and Statistics Departments would be funded in the amount of $2,125,000 for five years beginning fall 2000. The award will provide support for undergraduate research, graduate students, and postdoctoral faculty. Its goal is to deepen their preparation for careers in the mathematical sciences, integrating research and educational activities while promoting involvement with industry and K-12 education. Additional information about Purdue¹s VIGRE program is available at http://www.math.purdue.edu/~cowen/vigre.html.

The Mathematics Department will also receive $813,700 over a period of three years as the recipient of a Department of Education GAANN grant (Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need). The GAANN program is designed to increase participation by U.S. citizens and permanent residents in doctoral programs within certain disciplines, designated as areas of national need by DOE. One goal of the program is to increase participation by underrepresented minority groups in these academic areas.

GAANN provides fellowship money for five years, the first three funded by the grant, and the last two years to be provided by other funds (possibly a further GAANN grant). In addition to a stipend, each fellow receives a large allowance to pay for school related expenses, including conference related travel. Fellows will have four years of zero teaching and one year of quarter time supervised teaching. Fellows will also participate in special seminars, summer programs, and other activities that we hope will increase the chance for successful completion of the Ph.D. degree.