ARTICLE: Math program to increase students in field integral to the sciences: "'We find that there is intense competition among the disciplines for scientifically inclined students in college,' says Adem, adding, 'Mathematics does not often come across as 'glamorous' or even an attractive subject to study.'

To address these issues, Adem and his colleagues, Paul Milewski and Ken Ono, will lead the new VIGRE program, or the Vertical Integration of Research and Education. With a five-year, $2.55 million grant from the National Science Foundation, this group, along with others on campus, plan to develop an array of activities that encourage more students to take a closer look at math - both as a foundation for other research and as a profession.

Adem says that the overarching goal of the VIGRE program is to develop an integrated approach to training mathematicians: It not only seeks to integrate academic activities, such as research, teaching and outreach, but also to integrate faculty and students at all levels.

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