Looking through the PRISM at Northeastern

Outline of the PRISM program and research opportunities in

Mathematics, Physics, Biology

Overview of PRISM

• Interactive program of seminars and projects leading to research opportunities in Mathematics, Physics, Biology

• Research Discovery Experience in Summer of Year 1

• Research Co-op/Internships at NU and at off campus research facilities in Sophomore year

Student opportunities

• Team Projects in Year 1, prizes for best/most innovative work

• Stipends for Summer Discovery Experience at end of Year 1

• Research Co-op/Internships in Year 2

• Ongoing engagement with research-active faculty in Math, Physics, Biology

Timeline

• Fall Year 1: Interdisciplinary Research Seminars (IDRS) -- informational and motivational talks by faculty in Math, Physics, Biology

• Spring Year 1: IDRS -- research talks by STEM faculty, team research projects with prizes (course registration required)

• Summer Year 1: Summer Discovery Experience (SDE) -- intensive 4-week program exploring topics in Math, Physics, Biology (must apply for admission, stipends provided)

Timeline (cont)

• Fall Year 2: IDRS -- research preparation forum, prepare proposals for entry to research co-op (registration required)

• Spring Year 2: Research Co-op/Internships in research groups at NU or aff campus (e.g. Beth Israel Deaconess Center, FermiLab, Center for Biomedical Informatics)

PRISM Faculty

• Math: R. Porter, C. King, T. Sherman, J. Weitsman, D. Massey, A. Zelevinsky, A. Suciu, V. Lakshmibai, R. McOwen

• Physics: A. Karma, A.-L. Barabasi, A. Stepanyants, L. Menon

• Biology: D. Sternad, J. Ayers

• STEM Center: C. Zahopoulos

Who are we?

• We all started out as Freshman students who were excited about science and mathematics.

• We followed our passion and ended up doing research in our chosen fields.

• We want to generate the same passion for research in you!

What do we do?

• Here are some examples of the types of research underway here at Northeastern. You will get a fuller sense during the semester from the IDRS talks.

Joe Ayers, Biology: Robo-bees!

Joe Ayers, Biology: Lobsters??

Alain Karma, Physics: Cardiac Dynamics

Armen Stepanyants, Physics: whose brain?

Dagmar Sternad, Bio-Eng-Phys: analyzing bouncing

Dagmar Sternad: studying human motion and coordination

Mathematics

Fractals

Laszlo Barabasi, Physics: how phone viruses spread

How do I get involved with PRISM?

• Make sure we have your name and email on the signup sheets

• Come to the IDRS seminars this Fall

• Talk to us and let us know what interests you

• Check the PRISM webpage: link from the Math Department www.math.neu.edu

Questions?