Matthew Naeger did a Research Experience for Undergraduates at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse in the summer of 2017. Matthew studied zombie outbreaks using SIR models.
How did you find out about your research experience, and what was the process for applying?
I found out about the REU through the NSF website. To apply, I filled out a standard online application: resume/cv, transcripts, personal statement, two letters of recommendation.
Can your can summarize your project and what your role was?
My project was Biological Stability in Epidemiological Models of Zombie Outbreaks. I modeled zombie outbreaks using SIR models and analyzed the stability of equilibrium points.
How did you benefit from this experience?
It was valuable to have an experience in which my primary responsibility was to do research for an entire summer, so I could get practice and see what it’s like. Although I enjoyed it, it helped me decide NOT to go into mathematical biology, and to just go into math instead. Help with that decision was something I really wanted to get out of it. I’m sure it also looks good on resumes and CVs and looked good on grad school applications.