University of California, Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics Research in Industrial Projects for Students

The Research in Industrial Projects for Students (RIPS) Program provides an opportunity for talented undergraduate students to work in teams on a real-world research projects proposed by sponsors from industry or the public sector. The student team, with support from their academic mentor and industry mentor, will research the problem and present their results, both orally and in writing, at the end of the program.

The program is nine weeks. IPAM provides each undergraduate student with a travel allowance and a stipend of $3,000. Housing and most meals are also included.

RIPS-LA students will live in residence halls on the UCLA campus and will work at IPAM. We expect to have nine projects. The project sponsors are announced in March. Projects vary, but all involve some math, statistics, data, and computing.

International students, including students attending a university outside the U.S., are eligible to apply for RIPS-LA, as are graduating seniors.

RIPS is available in Hong Kong as well.  The application is the same for both programs.

To apply, click on the application tab on the far right.

Who should consider applying to RIPS?

RIPS is a program for students who are enrolled in or have just completed an undergraduate (bachelors) degree. Students with a strong background in mathematics and an interest in seeing how mathematics is used in the real world are encouraged to apply. Most of the projects have a significant computational component, so that proficiency (or at least some experience) in computer science, data analysis or numerical computation is valuable, but not necessary for everyone. Competition is high for the limited slots available. International students are eligible to apply for RIPS-LA.

What will participating in RIPS do for me?

First, in contrast to most summer research experiences that focus on an academic problem where students work closely with an academic mentor, RIPS students apply their mathematics knowledge to a real-world industrial problem, with an emphasis on problem solving using whatever methods are appropriate. In this way, RIPS is a cross between an REU and an internship. Second, RIPS students work on teams, with one student serving as project manager. For many students, this is their first experience working in a team environment.  Third, RIPS provides students an opportunity to explore careers in mathematics, science and technology. They learn about the company that is sponsoring their project through interaction with their industrial mentor, and about the other industry sponsors through discussions with other RIPS students about their projects. Fourth, RIPS students learn report writing and public presentation skills that will be invaluable to them as they continue with an academic or professional career in an industrial setting. These skills, combined with real-world research experience, give students an edge in the job market.

What is it is like to participate in RIPS?

RIPS students live, work and socialize together over the summer, so they form close professional and personal relationships. Students have an office with a computer and meeting space at IPAM. IPAM provides technical support as well as daily “tea time” and occasional guest lectures. Students stay in university housing within walking distance of IPAM and eat most meals on campus. UCLA is located approximately four miles from the Santa Monica beaches and is within close proximity to many popular tourist destinations. Students work hard, but they can also take surfing lessons, tour Hollywood studios, take weekend trips to national parks, and find other ways to enjoy their summer in LA.

Sponsors and Projects

This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:

http://www.ipam.ucla.edu/programs/student-research-programs/research-in-industrial-projects-for-students-rips-2016/?tab=faq