At Truman, we use research to help students and faculty become deeply involved in the interdisciplinary experience of mathematical biology. Our interdisciplinary program in mathematical biology is the only undergraduate program of its kind in the state of Missouri.

A list of future, ongoing, and past projects can be found on this page, and each is linked to a page with detailed information about the project and the accomplishments of its team.

Students can become involved in these research experiences through

• Truman's Undergraduate Research/Scholarship Grant program,
• for-credit 'classes' such as Undergraduate Research (MATH 473, or BIOL 441/442/443), or
• Truman's NSF-funded RLC program (2004-2009).

Community college students have also participated in some of these projects through the STEP Office's Summer Undergraduate Research Experiences Program.

Students who are interested in becoming involved in the mathematical biology program's research projects should talk with the faculty who are directly involved in a project of interest.

The Research-focused Learning Community (RLC) program

With NSF support, we have established an active and engaging community of faculty and students from biology and mathematics who work together in teams on questions that exist at the intersection of the life and mathematical sciences.

Interdisciplinary quartet of two biologists and two mathematical scientists, one student and one professor in each area, work together for a year or more. Current and past project can be found here.

Each team begins its work in January preparing for an intense 10-week period summer research followed by a Fall semester of writing, presenting, and other follow-up activities. Tying the teams together into community is a biweekly Mathematical Biology seminar and a coordinated series of summer workshops and discussion sessions on research-related skills. Field trips to regional graduate programs, industries, and business that value our skills and habits of mind provide students with opportunities for professional development.

The research program has led to the development of interdisciplinary courses and an interdisciplinary minor in mathematical biology. Truman State University is the only institution in Missouri to offer such a program at the undergraduate level.

Applications for participation in the 2009 program will be available in October 2008 right [here].

The 2008 RLC Program

Look here for information for the 2008 RLC program's participants. (The 2009 program will proceed in much the same way as the 2008 program, so this material will be instructive to prospective participants.)