FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 13, 2005

CONTACT: Joe Wills
530-898-4143

Math Students and Teachers Combine Forces to Solve Problems, Thanks to National Science Foundation Grant

What do stock options, strips of colored paper and a group of math whizzes have in common? They all may play a part in solving outstanding mathematical problems at California State University, Chico, thanks to a $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation.

For the second of three summers, CSU, Chico's Department of Mathematics and Statistics is hosting a six-week program providing Research Experiences for Undergraduates and Teachers (REU/T). Top-flight college math students will work side by side with high-school math teachers on some of the most difficult problems in the field.

The program, which starts today, June 13, is designed to encourage students to pursue studies in mathematics while giving participants a chance to contribute to the body of mathematics knowledge.

Twelve undergraduates, including four from CSU, Chico, will be taking part in the program. Other students come from schools in North Carolina, Virginia, Washington, Pennsylvania and other parts of California. Four of the students are participating via a special $23,000 grant from the Mathematical Association of America to increase the participation of underrepresented populations in math programs.

The four high school math teachers include Dan Sours from Chico High, as well as teachers from Burbank, Lake County and Naples, Fla.
While the level of math the group will work on is high, real-world applications will be part of the program. Clemson University mathematics professor Colin Gallagher, formerly of CSU, Chico, will be leading the group in tracking different stocks using various statistical modeling techniques.

The group will also have its fun moments. CSU, Chico mathematics professor Thomas Mattman, an expert in knot theory, will bring scissors, paper and other materials into the lab so that the participants can see firsthand the mathematical implications of tying and connecting strips of paper. Mattman and Gallagher received the NSF grant in May 2004.
For more information, contact Mattman at 530-898-5345.

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