Undergraduate Research Assistantships

Mathematics Undergraduate Research Assistantships

Undergradate research assistants (URAs) work with faculty members on mathematical research, curriculum development, data gathering, interdisciplinary work (connections of Mathematics to other subjects), computer-based mathematical experimentations, development of web-based instructional materials, or other projects. An undergraduate research project is an ideal way to get to know faculty, explore your own interests, build your resume for work or grad school, give faculty a solid basis for writing letter of recommendation for you, and get an idea for an honors thesis project.

All URAs commit 10 hours per week for research activities and are encouraged to participate in such events as the annual Spring Undergraduate Research Forum, usually in April.

The stipend per semester is $1,500 for regular URAs in math for Spring 2023. You do not need to be a US citizen or permanent resident of US in order to apply for a regular URA.

All URAs are expected to:

  1. attend Undergraduate Colloquia;
  2. present research results at appropriate meetings; funds are available to support travel for these kind of activities.

Funding for the regular URAs comes from the University of Iowa. If you and a specific faculty member already have a project to propose, please include the specifics on the form. If you are interested but not yet partnered with a specific faculty member, we can help to identify potential faculty mentors. The regular URAs are not limited to US citizens or permanent residents.

Qualifications

The following are required for the Undergraduate Research Assistants:

  1. To be a full-time student at UI and working on UI campus for this URA
  2. To be a Math major; To have completed at least 30 s.h., 
  3. To have completed Calculus 1-3, Linear Algebra, and at least one proofs course: MATH 3720 or MATH 3770 or higher, and
  4. To have performed reasonably well in math and related courses: with both Math GPA and UI Math GPA of at least 3.50.
  5. Preferably, having taken some upper level MATH courses.

The number of assistantships to be offered depends on the money available as well as the number of the excellent and qualified applicants. It has been getting competitive as interest in the program has grown, but there is no need to be intimidated by the selection process or the job.

How to Apply

If you are interested in an Undergraduate Research Assistantship, you  can print/download the form here. Please send all of your application material to yangbo-ye@uiowa.edu in pdf or word files. Please send your application and supporting documents as soon as possible, but no later than Monday, January 30, 5:00pm. We will start processing the applications soon after.

IMPORTANT: Attach a copy (unofficial one is ok) of your latest transcript.

For more information about Undergraduate RAs contact Prof. Yangbo Ye.

Additional Research Opportunities

The Dewey Stuit Fund for Undergraduate Research: The Dewey Stuit Fund in Liberal Arts and Sciences is an endowed fund created by friends and former colleagues of the College's long-term former Dean, Professor Dewey Stuit (1948-1977). The purpose of the fund is to promote the development of mentor-protégé relationships between CLAS undergraduate students and CLAS faculty. For more information or to apply, visit https://clas.uiowa.edu/students/scholarships/dewey-stuit-fund-undergraduate-research. 

Iowa Center for Research by Undergraduates: Research Position Announcements