Research in Industrial Projects for Students (RIPS) 2007

Who can be a RIPS sponsor?

Any private industry, laboratory, or public organization whose work is influenced by or reliant upon the application of mathematical principles or theory can propose a project for the RIPS-LA Program. Projects have been undertaken for sponsors representing such diverse sectors as the national laboratories, biotechnology and bioinformatics, atmospheric research and weather forecasting, surveillance and reconnaissance, animation and fluid animation, to name a few.

What are the benefits to the sponsor?

The sponsor has an opportunity to make an important contribution to undergraduate research training at UCLA. For many RIPS students, this is their first exposure to research. Industrial, laboratory and public sector sponsors have an opportunity to open an exciting intellectual door that allows students to see and experience the excitement of applying mathematics to practical problems.

In some cases, companies may find it more efficient and cost-effective to have a small research project conducted by a team of bright, motivated college students as by company researchers. IPAM supplies the research space, students and resources freeing up companies to provide oversight and direction. Industrial mentors meet weekly with their student team at IPAM as well as arrange for their team to meet them and their staff at the industrial site (as necessary for the project). All research resources (with the exception of data sets or other background materials supplied by the industrial sponsor) are provided by IPAM to facilitate student work. UCLA mathematics faculty mentors are available to meet with the industrial sponsor to discuss the project as well as provide daily direction to the students on research design and methodology, report preparation, and presentation skills. During this time, the industrial sponsor acquires a skilled labor resource dedicated to solving their problem.

Often, projects require development of software or hardware, an actual device or program. The sponsor will receive these products at the end of the summer program. Future recruitment may be enhanced because the sponsor gains access to a select national and international pool of student mathematicians, computer scientists, and young trainees in a variety of scientific fields.

What role does the sponsor play in the project?

Sponsoring organizations agree to appoint an industry mentor or mentor team who is the primary source of project-related and industry-specific expert information. The mentor/mentor team typically spends a day each week at IPAM meeting with the student team, answering questions and providing direction (as necessary) to their work. For those who are not located in Los Angeles, regular conference calls and WebEx meetings may take the place of meetings in person. The closer the sponsor’s relationship with the student team the faster and smoother the project work progresses. Like any research project, the better the communication and information flow the better the product. Regular communication between the sponsor, student team and faculty mentor is the key to the success of RIPS projects. The industry mentor often informally serves as career advisor as well.