{"id":31,"date":"2024-11-01T19:47:26","date_gmt":"2024-11-01T19:47:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/newmath2025\/?page_id=31"},"modified":"2025-08-01T06:12:22","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T06:12:22","slug":"immersion","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/immersion\/","title":{"rendered":"Immersion"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"home-largefont\">Immersion <span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Vanderbilt <\/span>Is\u2026 <\/span>a\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 120%\">graduation requirement for all undergraduates<\/span>, including transfer students, and an exciting opportunity to customize your education. In the Department of Mathematics, we see it as a chance for you to\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 120%\">explore mathematics beyond the classroom\u00a0<\/span>and create something meaningful.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re passionate about theoretical research, teaching and outreach, or applying math to real-world problems, Immersion Vanderbilt can help you go deeper and make your work count.<\/p>\n<h2>How It Works<\/h2>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Immersion Vanderbilt consists of two main parts:<\/p>\n<p><b>1. The Immersive Experience<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Choose a substantial experience that allows you to explore a topic deeply over time. You may select from six general pathways listed by the university:\u00a0<a title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/www.vanderbilt.edu\/immersion\/immersive-experiences\/. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vanderbilt.edu%2Fimmersion%2Fimmersive-experiences%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Chenry.y.chan%40Vanderbilt.Edu%7Cb4eb16e55d114d3afdb108ddba4a978c%7Cba5a7f39e3be4ab3b45067fa80faecad%7C0%7C0%7C638871551714647772%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=cwMmRH8eEA3Yjgo0tn0icd6t7I7jGUONUoDK61Q3qmY%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\">Explore all immersive pathways<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Math majors often pursue immersive experiences like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><\/b><b>Mathematics Research<\/b><br \/>\nJoin a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Opportunities include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><\/b>Vanderbilt-funded summer research or independent study<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><a title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/www.nsf.gov\/funding\/initiatives\/reu\/search?f%5B0%5D=reu_research_area:25741. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nsf.gov%2Ffunding%2Finitiatives%2Freu%2Fsearch%3Ff%255B0%255D%3Dreu_research_area%3A25741&amp;data=05%7C02%7Chenry.y.chan%40Vanderbilt.Edu%7Cb4eb16e55d114d3afdb108ddba4a978c%7Cba5a7f39e3be4ab3b45067fa80faecad%7C0%7C0%7C638871551714670223%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=MhLTsREeMFteA2EwwsbHh0mNYIdyflEX2Jpo9bkHtO8%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\">National REUs<\/a>\u00a0(research experience for undergraduates)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b>Study Abroad<\/b><br \/>\nParticipate in a\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 120%\">pre-approved Vanderbilt study abroad program<\/span>\u00a0with a math focus.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><\/b>Budapest Semesters in Mathematics:\u00a0<a title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/budapestsemesters.com\/. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbudapestsemesters.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Chenry.y.chan%40Vanderbilt.Edu%7Cb4eb16e55d114d3afdb108ddba4a978c%7Cba5a7f39e3be4ab3b45067fa80faecad%7C0%7C0%7C638871551714686360%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=qKDggIBX7dDUXVLmwR2RkYGSk47qXt4zDeYEIAts4Go%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\"><b>https:\/\/budapestsemesters.com\/<\/b><b><\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b>Internships and Industry Experiences<\/b><br \/>\nApply mathematics in data science, finance, tech, education, and more.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b>Community Engagement and Teaching<\/b><br \/>\nHelp lead local outreach programs such as the Vanderbilt Math Circle, or design your own civic engagement project using math.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Note: your immersive experience does not need to relate to your major.<\/p>\n<p><b>2. The Culminating Project<\/b><\/p>\n<p>This is what you\u00a0<i>create<\/i>\u00a0as a result of your immersive experience. It should synthesize what you&#8217;ve learned and allow you to share your work with others. Possibilities include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Writing a research paper<\/li>\n<li>Presenting at the Vanderbilt Undergraduate Research Fair<\/li>\n<li>Creating your own Math Circle materials and leading a Math Circle<\/li>\n<li>Completing a creative project, blog, YouTube video, or portfolio<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When you&#8217;re ready, submit your work through the\u00a0<a title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/www.vanderbilt.edu\/immersion\/forms\/. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vanderbilt.edu%2Fimmersion%2Fforms%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Chenry.y.chan%40Vanderbilt.Edu%7Cb4eb16e55d114d3afdb108ddba4a978c%7Cba5a7f39e3be4ab3b45067fa80faecad%7C0%7C0%7C638871551714702737%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=8U%2Fu351Yye2QtgwjTrICC%2FEhgLq29nXOYEaYN22VxLs%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\">Culminating Project Submission Form<\/a>. Your faculty advisor will review and approve your submission.<br \/>\nspan style=&#8221;font-size: 120%;&#8221;<br \/>\n<b>Timeline and Advising<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><\/b><b>When to Start<\/b>: It\u2019s never too early to start planning your immersion. We recommend identifying an immersive experience by your sophomore year.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><b>Before You Graduate<\/b>: You must\u00a0invite a faculty advisor\u00a0to oversee your culminating project\u00a0<span style=\"font-style: italic\">by the end of your final semester<\/span>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you&#8217;re not sure where to start,\u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 120%\">talk with your math major advisor or schedule an Immersion Vanderbilt advising appointment<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p><b>Immersion Office Location<\/b>: E. Bronson Ingram College, Room 1003<br \/>\n<b>Office Hours<\/b>: Monday\u2013Friday, 8:00 AM \u2013 5:00 PM<br \/>\n<b>Appointments<\/b>: In-person, virtual, or by phone<br \/>\n<a title=\"Original URL: https:\/\/vanderbilt.joinhandshake.com\/login. Click or tap if you trust this link.\" href=\"https:\/\/nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvanderbilt.joinhandshake.com%2Flogin&amp;data=05%7C02%7Chenry.y.chan%40Vanderbilt.Edu%7Cb4eb16e55d114d3afdb108ddba4a978c%7Cba5a7f39e3be4ab3b45067fa80faecad%7C0%7C0%7C638871551714718906%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=jTrDzwgg%2FMqipX5K1dmbPcRxERNR0JtoHPAFfUcq7aE%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\">Book an appointment via Handshake<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Recent Examples<\/h2>\n<h4>Alberto Maga\u00d1a<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2025\/03\/magana-alberto.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"936\" height=\"626\" class=\" wp-image-763 alignright\" style=\"max-height: 300px;width: auto;height: auto\" src=\"https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2025\/03\/magana-alberto.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2025\/03\/magana-alberto.png 936w, https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2025\/03\/magana-alberto-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2025\/03\/magana-alberto-768x514.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 936px) 100vw, 936px\" \/><\/a><b data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Alberto Magana<\/b> attended a summer research experience at the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI), and worked on a project involving curve lifting and the virtual braid group, a rich mathematical structure with connections to topology and algebra. Magana&#8217;s work focused on the topological perspective, investigating the spaces on which the group acts and the implications of those actions. Alberto says the experience deepened his understanding of what mathematical research entails: &#8220;It showed me what research in this field is really like.&#8221; He emphasized the importance of his Vanderbilt coursework in topology and abstract algebra, stating, &#8220;The concepts and techniques I learned in those classes were essential to my research.&#8221; His immersion project helped confirm his plans to pursue a PhD in mathematics, likely in topology or geometry. Alberto\u2019s final culminating project was an expository paper summarizing what he had read and discussing some related problems.<\/p>\n<h4>Aussie Green<\/h4>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2025\/03\/green-aussie.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"702\" height=\"936\" class=\" wp-image-758 alignleft\" style=\"max-height: 400px;width: auto;height: auto\" src=\"https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2025\/03\/green-aussie.png\" alt=\"Photo of Aussie holding up name badge in front of VU banner\" srcset=\"https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2025\/03\/green-aussie.png 702w, https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2025\/03\/green-aussie-225x300.png 225w, https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2025\/03\/green-aussie-108x144.png 108w, https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/69\/2025\/03\/green-aussie-142x190.png 142w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 702px) 100vw, 702px\" \/><\/a><b data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Aussie Greene <\/b><\/strong>spent two years working with Dr. Larry Schumaker on numerical methods for solving partial differential equations (PDEs) using multivariate spline functions. His work focused on applying these techniques to complex, three-dimensional domains\u2014an area with potential applications in fields like engineering and medical imaging. &#8220;Spline functions, which are piecewise polynomial functions, are especially helpful tools in the field of approximation theory,&#8221; Aussie explains. &#8220;They can fit real world data with specified degrees of smoothness and great computational efficiency.&#8221; Aussie\u2019s immersion culminated in a detailed paper titled Numerical Methods for Solving Partial Differential Equations on Complicated Non-Convex 3D Domains using Multivariate Spline Functions, which formed the basis of a talk he gave at the Constructive Functions 2025 conference and a manuscript now under review. \u201cA big component of my research regards the `mesh generation problem,&#8217; which involves taking complex continuous domains and simplifying them into discrete shapes that are compatible with our numerical methods. Other than the two courses that directly prepared me for my current research\u2014MATH 3620 (Numerical Analysis) and MATH 3890 (Computing with Splines)\u2014I use the tools and intuition I developed in my linear algebra classes (MATH 2500, 2501, 3330) every day when developing software.\u201d Aussie plans to pursue a PhD in computational mathematics, with a long-term goal of developing tools for fields like oncology and imaging.<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>For Transfer Students<\/h2>\n<p>Transfer students are also required to complete Immersion Vanderbilt. You may be able to\u00a0count previous experiences toward the immersive experience. Meet with an Immersion advisor to discuss your options.<\/p>\n<h2>Questions?<\/h2>\n<p data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Wondering whether your idea fits or want help brainstorming? Contact your academic advisor, the Mathematics Department Director of Undergraduate Studies, or reach out to the Immersion team directly. The Department of Mathematics is excited to help you design a project that aligns with your interests and makes your time at Vanderbilt truly immersive.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Immersion Vanderbilt Is\u2026 a\u00a0graduation requirement for all undergraduates, including transfer students, and an exciting opportunity to customize your education. In the Department of Mathematics, we see it as a chance for you to\u00a0explore mathematics beyond the classroom\u00a0and create something meaningful. Whether you&#8217;re passionate about theoretical research, teaching and outreach, or applying math to real-world problems,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":74,"featured_media":1222,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-headline-img.php","meta":[],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/74"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1199,"href":"https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31\/revisions\/1199"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1222"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/as.vanderbilt.edu\/math\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}