Meeting in the Middle

About the Project:

Let’s say that you’re meeting with someone from another city. You’re both driving, and you want to meet in the middle. How do you find the best place to meet? What does “best” mean? In this project, we’ll tackle that question, and think about how our answers will change if more people are joining our meeting. We’ll investigate if measuring time spent driving instead of distance changes our answers, and think about what is the best mathematical description of “fair” in this setting. Working in the field of computational social choice, this project will involve some coding in Python and some mathematics. However, all you need is an open mind and willingness to learn, and all are welcome to apply for this project.

Dr. Erin Griesenauer completed her Ph.D. in Mathematics at the University of Iowa and joined the faculty at Eckerd College in 2016. Since then, she has overseen several student projects in abstract and applied mathematics, as well as math pedagogy. Her own research is in the area of operator theory, and combines perspectives and techniques from abstract algebra, complex function theory, linear algebra, and differential geometry. In particular, she is interested in studying algebras of cross sections of holomorphic matrix bundles.

The First-Year Research Associate Program at Eckerd College honors academically outstanding students with awards of up to $1,000. The program also provides the opportunity, during the freshman year, for the award winners to work closely with a sponsor (faculty or administrative personnel) on a project of mutual interest. Associates might assist with research for faculty publication or new courses, conduct scientific experiments, work with creative artists, or develop projects related to any phase of the academic, cultural, and social life of the college. Scholars are selected on the basis of achievement in high school and on the creativity and depth of responses to items on this application.

Online submission due no later than February 1, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Student Information

First Name

Preferred Name

Middle Name

Last Name

Birthdate

Mailing Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Email Address

Intended college major(s):

Possible intended career:

High School

Reference / Letter of Recommendation

A letter of recommendation is required for your First-Year Research Associateship (FRA) application. Please make sure letters of recommendation include the contact information of the writer. Letters of recommendation for the FRA can be uploaded with this application, emailed to admissions@eckerd.edu, or submitted via mail to the address below:

Eckerd College
Office of Admission
4200 54th Ave S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33711

Would you like to use the letter recommendation submitted with your application to Eckerd College for your FRA application?

Yes

If you already have a reference or letter of recommendation (.doc, or .pdf only), upload here:

High School Science and Math Courses

9th Grade

10th Grade

11th Grade

12th Grade

Academic Performance

Unweighted GPA (4.0 max):

Class rank ______ of ______ (if applicable)

Did you apply test optional?

Yes

Please list your ACT and/or SAT test scores.

SAT Score (Critical Reading and Math)

ACT Score (Composite: Math, Science, Reading, English)

Personal Responses

For the following questions, please include detailed descriptions and/or examples in paragraph form.

Honors

Please list any significant academic honors or accomplishments you have received while in high school (math or science awards, best science fair project, academic excellence awards, special recognition, etc.). Please do not list athletic awards or participation. Where appropriate, provide a brief description. If none, write N/A.

Activities

Describe any academic extracurricular activities you have participated in. Examples include: volunteer research, academic competitions, academic summer camps, volunteer work, etc. in which you have participated. If none, write in N/A.

Short Answer

Describe why you would like to participate in Eckerd College's "Meeting in the Middle" First-Year Research Associateship Program.

American Studies
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