The DRP now has two tiers: the Directed Reading Program and the Directed Research Program.
Note: Mentors and mentees may apply for both tiers but may only participate in one project per term.
About the Directed Reading Program
The WiM Directed Reading Program (DRP-Reading) is an initiative that aims to provide an opportunity for undergraduate students (mentees), who identify as one or more of the following:
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women
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2SLGBTQIA+ or other underrepresented gender identities in math
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Indigenous
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Black
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persons with a disability
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first-generation university students
to work with graduate students of all genders (mentors) on a mathematical project. This project could be a gentle introduction to a specific topic in mathematics, setting up the groundwork for a joint research endeavour or a casual survey of an article that would be intimidating to cover on one’s own.
Benefits of DRP-Reading for mentees
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Learn about an interesting mathematical topic.
- Develop relationships with current graduate students and learn more about graduate school from them.
- Gain experience in conducting mathematical research first-hand.
Benefits of DRP-Reading for mentors
- Gain valuable experience in solo supervising student(s) and communicating mathematics to them.
- Make mathematics more welcoming for the Women+ community.
- Share a topic that you are excited about.
If you are interested in learning more about the program, you could check out the DRP Video and DRP Story.
About the Directed Research Program
In the Fall 2024, the WiM introduces a new research-focused stream of DRP! The Directed Research Program (DRP-Research) is designed for original research. DRP-Research is a wonderful chance for undergraduates, who identify as one or more of the following:
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women
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2SLGBTQIA+ or other underrepresented gender identities in math
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Indigenous
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Black
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persons with a disability
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first-generation university students
to participate in research in a low-pressure environment, and for graduate students to lead a research project. Since some background may be required, this opportunity is primarily for advanced undergraduates. (No research experience is required.)
Benefits of DRP-Research for mentees
- Participate in original research
- Gain research skills and insights into how graduate students work
- Experience what it might be like to be a grad student
Benefits of DRP-Research for mentors
- Propose an original research project
- Flexible options for putting together your research team
- Become the supervisor(s) and lead a project from start to finish
If you are interested in learning more about the DRP-Research program, you could check out the following document (Info Document).
There is no fee (tuition or otherwise) to participate in the DRP for mentors or mentees. Upon completing their project, mentors will receive the $1000 WiM DRP award. We currently do not have funding for mentees, but DRP-Research mentees may be eligible for the President's Research Award.
Contact Us
- If you have any questions or want an early copy of the application form, please email the WiM DRP Coordinators Sophie Spirkl and Kateryna Tatarko.
- Find us on Discord and Instagram.
Sponsors
The Women in Mathematics committee would like to thank the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Mathematics and Mathematics Endowment Funds for sponsoring the Directed Reading Program.
