Directed Reading & Research Programs (DRP)

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 women or underrepresented gender identities, 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

  • 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.

Jingyue and Zhuofan
Jeremy and Joline

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 women or underrepresented gender identities, 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
Cece, Helena, and Molly
Yiran and Keeley

If you are interested in learning more about the DRP-Research program, you could check out the following document (Info Document) or sign-up to the info session by July 3 (Sign-up Here).

Contact Us

DRP Advisory Committee

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.

UWaterloo Faculty of Math logo
Math Endowment Fund logo