On Saturday, February 15, 2003 over 135 students and faculty from 16 different colleges and universities throughout Michigan attended the fifth annual Michigan Undergraduate Mathematics Conference (MUMC) on the campus of the University of Michigan-Dearborn. The conference was organized by John Clifford (UM-D, co-chair), Joan Remski (UM-D, co-chair), Matt Boelkins (GVSU), Ruth Favro (LTU), John Fink (Kalamazoo C), Randall Pruim (Calvin C), and Darin Stephenson (Hope C).
This year’s conference included approximately 35 20-minute presentations with most being given by undergraduates on their research projects or other mathematical interests. Other talks highlighted graduate programs in mathematics and biostatistics, REU programs, and working as a mathematician in industry. Several schools also had exhibit tables where students could pick up information or speak with representatives individually.
In addition to the short presentations, a keynote address was given by Arthur Benjamin of Harvey Mudd College. He spoke about Fibonacci-like sequences and the role undergraduates have played in this research. Other activities at the MUMC included a short quiz on mathematics and math history, lunch, and an evaluation and prize session. Students who did well on the quiz received prizes that were contributed by Texas Instruments, Wolfram Research, Addison-Wesley, and Brooks/Cole Publishing.
For a complete description of the conference schedule, pictures, and a list of sponsors and exhibitors, visit the conference Web page at http://casl.umd.umich.edu/math/MUMC/mumc.asp. Plans for subsequent conferences are already underway. Next year’s conference is to be held on the campus of Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. Any departments interested in hosting the conference in future years, or any individuals interested in serving on the conference committee should contact Randall Pruim, Section Student Activities Coordinator (rpruim@calvin.edu, 616-957-7113), or one of the conference committee members.
John Clifford, UM-Dearborn
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