The Industrial Mathematical and Statistical Modeling (IMSM) workshop, to take place July 15–23 at North Carolina State University, exposes graduate students in mathematics and statistics to real-world problems from industry and government.
Not the kind of academic exercises often considered in classrooms, these problems typically require fresh insight for both formulation and solution. Often, the biggest challenge is figuring out what the real question is. Students learn how to do this and how to get a usable result under a tight deadline.
By providing a unique example of how mathematics and statistics are applied outside academia, the workshop has helped many students decide upon the kind of career to which they aspire. In some cases, this help has taken the form of direct hiring by the participating companies. By broadening the horizon beyond what is usually presented in graduate education, the workshop gives students interested in academic careers a new excitement about their field.
Additionally, students receive experience in the team approach to problemsolving. During the workshop, they are divided into six-member teams. Each team is mentored by both the problem presenter and a faculty adviser. Team members work together to produce an oral presentation and written report of their results, which can lead to subsequent journal publications. Often, the teams come up with useful solutions to a company’s problem. Moreover, several projects initially presented at the workshop have resulted in long-term collaboration between students, faculty, and the companies involved.
Local and travel expenses will be covered for students at U.S. institutions. The application deadline is April 15. More information is available at the workshop website. Questions can be directed to grad@samsi.info.
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