Student Opportunities

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers students a wide range of ways to grow as mathematicians beyond the classroom. Whether you’re interested in original research through summer programs, EXCEL scholarships, or a senior thesis, or to friendly competition in problem-solving groups and contests, or to community, there’s a place for every interest and level of experience. We encourage students to explore the opportunities below and to reach out to faculty whose work intrigues them.

 

Advanced Study & Research Opportunities

  • Honors Theses: An opportunity for interested students to dive deeply into a mathematical topic of their own choosing under the guidance of a faculty mentor. While not a graduation requirement, a thesis lets you explore a subject well beyond the scope of a typical course, working closely with a professor over an extended period. To see what past students have worked on, browse our list of recent honors theses, or explore a longer list dating back to 1938 in the Lafayette library catalog.
  • Independent Study: Independent study courses are usually offered at the request of interested students. Course topics have included statistics, topology, differential equations, geometry, the history of mathematics, Galois theory, matroids, combinatorics, transcendental numbers, differential geometry, fluid dynamics, number theory, and probabilistic models.
  • EXCEL Scholars Program: The EXCEL Scholars program enables Lafayette students to conduct original research alongside a faculty mentor.  Faculty in the Department of Mathematical Sciences have mentored a variety of EXCEL projects across theoretical math, applied math, and statistics.  Preparation requirements vary by mentor and research area—mentors may expect students to finish specific courses, gain experience in computer programming, or complete background reading before beginning an EXCEL project, for example. Students are encouraged to reach out to potential faculty mentors well in advance of application deadlines to discuss project ideas and strategies for preparation.
  • Data Associates: This co-curricular statistical consulting group is a paid opportunity for a small number (usually 4) of students each year.  The projects are varied and depend on client interest, but some past projects include assisting with data analysis plans for senior theses, alumni working on investigative journalism projects, assisting with a patron survey for a local arts collective, data collection for a local non-profit, and data analysis for several sports programs at Lafayette.  If you’re interested in this opportunity, please contact Profs. Trent Gaugler (gauglert@lafayette.edu) and Jeff Liebner (liebnerj@lafayette.edu).
  • REU Program: The Department of Mathematical Sciences at Lafayette has often hosted a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site during the summer months, the most recent of which was held in the summer of 2024.  Through close mentorship with faculty advisors, small student research groups investigate open problems in mathematics and statistics and share their work in the form of articles, posters, and group presentations.  This REU site is funded by NSF grant number DMS-2150343. For more information, please contact Prof. Jeff Liebner (liebnerj@lafayette.edu).

Problem Solving Opportunitites

  • Barge Competition: A written mathematics contest open to sophomores and offered each fall. Modeled after the Putnam Exam, it runs about three hours and challenges students with clever, insight-driven problems spanning all areas of mathematics, with cash prizes awarded to the top performers.
  • Problem Solving Group: A once-a-week relaxed gathering where everyone works through challenging problems together.  No prior competition experience needed and all levels are welcome. The Problem Group is led by Profs. Qin Lu (luq@lafayette.edu) and Derek Smith (smithder@lafayette.edu).
  • Cryptography Contest: An annual competition that is part codebreaking and part scavenger hunt that is hosted every spring. Teams of students race to find and decipher messages and riddles that are hidden around campus. No prior coding, cipher, or mathematical experience necessary. Cash prizes awarded to the fastest teams. The event is organized by Profs. Jeff Liebner (liebnerj@lafayette.edu) and Sahana Balasubramanya (hassanba@lafayette.edu).

Clubs and Organizations

  • Math Club: The Math Club regularly hosts events of interest to students majoring or minoring in mathematics, including presentations by students and faculty members, contests for students, social events, and more.  To learn more about the Math Club or to be added to the mailing list, contact Prof. Derek Smith (smithder@lafayette.edu).
  • The Kovalevsky Society: This mentoring program is hosted by the Department of Mathematical Sciences and supported by a Tensor Women and Mathematics grant from the Mathematical Association of America. The program is open to all female and non-binary persons pursuing—or interested in—any of our major or minor programs.  Students engage regularly with peers in the program and are matched one-on-one with an alumnae mentor to discuss career options and build their post-college network.  Other recent Kovalevsky Society events have included resume building workshops, career and graduate school panels featuring recent alums, Q&A sessions with visiting alums, and game, movie, and bowling nights. If you are interested in participating in this program (either as a student or as an alum), please reach out to math_mentoring@lafayette.edu.