Program Overview

The National Alliance for Doctoral Studies in the Mathematical Sciences is an alliance between a group of proven mentors in the math sciences departments of the Iowa Regents Universities (Iowa State University, University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa) as well as the math science departments at colleges and universities which serve a substantial number of underrepresented US minority undergraduate students. These mentors work together closely to ensure that any minority student at any of the Alliance undergraduate institutions who wishes to pursue a doctoral degree in the math sciences is given the tools, nurturing and encouragement needed to ensure that he or she will be prepared for a Ph.D. program in a mathematical science at one of the Iowa Regents universities.

» Click here to read a history of the Alliance (PDF)

Learn more about the alliance:

• Activity Scholarships for Scholars
• Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
• Annual Fall Conference
• Participating Institutions

Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
Dates: June 8th - July 31st 2009

The National Alliance for Doctoral Studies in the Mathematical Sciences hosts a National Science Foundation sponsored REU as part of the Alliance activities. The departments of Mathematics, Statistics, and Biostatistics at Iowa State University, The University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa each host a research program for undergraduate students who are considering going to graduate school in a math science.

All expenses are paid. Students will receive a stipend of $3,200 (which includes a stipend for breakfast and lunch), as well as room and a dinner contract on campus, and round-tip airfare.




Activity Scholarships for Scholars

Up to half the students enrolled in the Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates will also be awarded an Alliance Activity Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded in any amount up to $5,000 for up to one year. The funds may be used for things like attending and presenting work at conferences, weekly visits to a nearby graduate department, visits to the scholar's Iowa Regent mentor, or purchasing books and equipment.


Annual Fall Conference

This conference introduces potential graduate students from groups which are underrepresented in the mathematical sciences to graduate programs in mathematics and statistics at Alliance schools as well as professional opportunities in these fields. Representatives of other quantitative fields such as engineering will be on hand to discuss opportunities in these areas.

Student participants will spend time with faculty mentors from the Alliance schools, get advice on graduate school applications, and attend seminars on graduate school preparation and expectations as well as career seminars. Participating faculty will enjoy an opportunity to network with colleagues from around the country and with representatives of national Mathematical Sciences Institutes.