The objectives of the REU program at CSUSB are to

• Actively involve undergraduates in significant mathematical research, particularly from underrepresented groups or from institutions where research opportunities are limited,
• Increase students’ mathematical independence and maturity, and
• Encourage participants to pursue mathematical careers in both industry and academia, and to offer continued mentorship beyond the program.

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Participants in our program will be introduced to both subjects of Knot Theory and Differential Geometry.  Only a bit of mathematical maturity and proof writing skills are required, as is an enduring enthusiasm for mathematics.  No other special background in either of these topics is required. After this, each participant chooses which field to pursue for the remainder of the program, and works one-on-one with either Dr. Trapp or Dr. Dunn to identify and make progress on some problem.

Please note the following eligibility requirements for our program:
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• Participants must be continuing their undergraduate education following the conclusion of the program.  Thus, for example, if you are graduating in the Spring, you are not eligible for the program the following Summer.
• Only US Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible for the program.  This has been made very clear to us over the years.  Thus, if you are not a US Citizen or Permanent Resident you are ineligible for the program even if you have your own source of funding.
• There are no age or content related eligibility requirements.  
• Specifically, there is no required mathematical background except perhaps some experience with proofs and an enduring enthusiasm for doing mathematics all day for 8 weeks.  We provide all of the background knowledge needed in the first week of the program.  
• In addition, you do not have to be over 18 years old to participate, although you need to be otherwise eligible as outlined above.  If you are under 18, please indicate that you are under 18 somewhere on your application!   We only need to know this because if you become a participant some special arrangements will need to be made well in advance, and we emphasize that your age is not used to discriminate against your application--it is merely a legal issue we need a head start with.
• We genuinely care about equally considering all applications from those who is eligible.   In this way, we especially encourage applications from those who are members of an underrepresented group, or otherwise do not have access to research experiences at their home institution.  These are not discriminating factors in our selection of participants--we simply care about making our Summer REU equally accessible to everyone.