Catherine Falvey Completes NSF Research Experience in California

2017 Aug 9

Catherine Falvey '17, an Eastern Connecticut State University student from West Hartford, recently returned from a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in California funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). From June to August, Falvey conducted a mathematics research project titled "Probabilities Concerning Sets of Matrices" at California State University Channel Islands.

Falvey, who double majors in mathematics and economics, worked with three other students on a project that involved several fields of mathematics, including linear algebra, number theory and abstract algebra.

"I am honored to have been able to work under a NSF grant," said Falvey. "I gained valuable research experience as well as insight into working on a team. It was a change of pace from the typical semester because we focused on answering only one main question, and we worked on it every day. It gave us an idea of the ups and downs that come with doing research."

As part of the REU, students heard from area mathematicians who discussed the types of research they conduct. The experience also included workshops on presenting at conferences and graduate school admissions.

"This REU was a great opportunity not only to do research but to travel to a new place," concluded Falvey. "The school is located in Southern California. We were able to get away for group outings to local beaches and hikes. It was great not only getting experience doing original research as an undergraduate, but also traveling by myself to a new place."