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Brown University, Institute for Computational and Experimental Research in Mathematics

Program ID:
ICERM-SI2026 [#1817]
Program Title:
Summer@ICERM: Undergraduate Summer Research Program: Pure and Applied Mathematical Models
Program Type:
Undergraduate program
Program Location:
Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States of America
Subject Area:
Mathematics
Appl Deadline:
none (posted 2025/10/24)
Program Description:
   

program Description

SUMMER@ICERM: Undergraduate Summer Research Program at Brown University

"Pure and Applied Mathematical Models" from June 8 - July 31, 2026

Organizing Committee: Amanda Harsy (Lewis University), Adam Schultze (Lewis University), Brittany Stephenson (Lewis University), Cara Sulyok (Villanova University)

The eight-week Summer@ICERM 2026 program is designed for a select group of 18-22 undergraduate scholars.  It comes with a $4,000 stipend.  Providence, RI room, board, and travel funding provided. When completing the application, please provide brief responses to open-ended questions. 

Mathematical modeling allows one to describe dynamics of the real world by translating the knowledge and beliefs of interactions into the language of mathematics. For this reason,  mathematical modeling is not only a useful technique for describing natural occurrences, but it also allows one to address questions and test hypotheses that may not be feasible to study in reality. In general, modeling requires compromise. In order to avoid complicated systems, mathematical modelers must first identify the most important components of a system to include in the model, excluding everything else. Even with these simplifying assumptions, mathematical models can be used to develop scientific understanding, test the effect of changes in a  system, and aid in decision-making. The proposed Summer@ICERM 2026 projects center around three approaches to mathematical modeling in both pure and applied mathematics spanning epidemiology, graph theory, and combinatorics.

During the eight-week program, students will be introduced to the research topics through interactive lectures. Afterward, students will work on their projects in assigned groups of two to four, supervised by faculty advisors and aided by teaching assistants. Students will meet daily; give regular talks about their findings; attend mini-courses, guest talks, and professional development seminars; and practice coding. Students will learn how to collaborate mathematically while working closely with their teams to write a paper detailing their results.

2026 Proposed Research Topics
  • Disease Transmission and Control in Local Communities
  • Graph Theoretical Modeling of DNA Self-Assembly
  • Combinatorial Models for Kostka-Foulkes Polynomials
See the topic details here.

ICERM provides an excellent research environment. Students, faculty, and TAs will have access to ICERM’s computer facilities and specialized software. ICERM staff will provide logistical support for students and will help build community through fun activities and events.

More program details are available at https://icerm.brown.edu/summerug/2026/

Funding Includes:

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Applicants must be matriculating undergraduate students at the time of the start of Summer@ICERM 2026.
  • Funding is available for a very small number of students who are not US citizens or permanent residents. 

Students must apply via MathPrograms.org by February 13, 2026, to receive full consideration. ICERM will begin making offers between late February and early March 2026. 



Application Materials Required:
Submit the following item online at this website to complete your application:
  • Two reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site help popup)

Further Info:
https://icerm.brown.edu/summerug/2026
email address
 
Brown University/ICERM
Box 1995
Providence, RI 02912