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NewsThe Applied Mathematics Laboratory is currently working with the National Institute of Justice on a project to determine the optimal search area for a serial criminal. IntroductionThe Applied Mathematics Laboratory, (AML) is operated by the Department of Mathematics of Towson University, Towson, Maryland, and directed by Mike O'Leary. The Applied Mathematics Laboratory, by agreement with sponsoring organizations, will undertake research projects of a mathematical nature at the advanced undergraduate level whose analysis, solution and exposition will require the substantial involvement of a team of students and faculty members for (usually) an academic year. The sponsor submits a fee for the research project to Towson University to cover the costs of services, equipment, and faculty. The Applied Mathematics Laboratory will form a team of talented undergraduate and graduate students led by a faculty director from the Mathematics Department and a co-director with particular interest in the problem posed. This team studies the problem, and supplies an honest, intensive effort on the part of its best mathematical talent to study and fully report on the sponsor's project. Students receive course credit for their participation in an Applied Mathematics Laboratory Project. Past sponsors have included Westinghouse, Union Trust Corporation, Citicorp, The Comptrollers Office of The State of Maryland, Blue Cross-Blue Shield, Becton Dickinson Microbiology Systems, Martin Marietta Technologies Inc., Bell Atlantic, and Science Application International Corporation (SAIC). The Applied Mathematics Laboratory invites corporations and government agencies to submit research projects at the address below. BenefitsThe successful implementation of the Applied Mathematics Laboratory benefits participating team members beyond any educational experience offered by traditional university courses. For the student members of the team, the experience is invaluable for showing them the rigors and pleasures of research. They are working on a problem whose investigation is of importance to the sponsor. It provides an opportunity for a student to use theoretical material from the classroom, new material from personal research, and the information and expertise of other team members in a cooperative educational setting. The processes of understanding the problem, assisting in the mathematical formulation, developing the necessary skills, obtaining information and sharpening expository skills are as important as the actual solution of the problem. In addition, the close working relationship that students have with faculty allows a personal dimension to their education which both parties enjoy. The students contact with sponsoring organizations might naturally lead to job opportunities, as well. For our students this is a unique experience in learning: how to work with others, how to express complicated ideas clearly and confidently (in written and in oral form), and how to use the many skills and resources available to them. There are also benefits for the faculty participants. As mentioned, the chance to work closely with a small group of good students is always welcome. Furthermore, most sponsors agree that the faculty can publish papers about the applications of Mathematics to the project, provided proprietary information is kept out of the public domain. There are a number of benefits to the project sponsors. Foremost is the result of the investigations of the student team. While participating in a new approach to higher education in applied mathematics, the sponsor may obtain the solutions to problems that demand time or expertise not available from permanent staff. The Applied Mathematics Laboratory has the considerable resources of mathematicians in a wide variety of mathematics and statistics, both pure and applied. In addition, university computing facilities are available for team use. The Albert S. Cook Library provides access to technical journals and the most advanced knowledge in mathematics and related fields. Professors in economics, business, computer and information sciences, chemistry and physics are available as consultants to the team. Sponsors also benefit by having contact with some of Towson University's brightest students as potential future employees. Additionally, there is significant public relations value in supporting higher education. It is expected that the entire University will benefit from the work of the Applied Mathematics Laboratory with companies in the Baltimore metropolitan area. The reputation of Towson University as a vital resource in the community is enhanced by these efforts. Previous sponsors have asked Towson to expand its cooperation by providing internships and research personnel for them. It is hoped that the University will attract outstanding mathematics students through this program, since it is unique in the Baltimore area. More InformationOn these pages you will find more information about the Applied Mathematics Laboratory Contact InformationDirector Mike O'Leary Telephone 410-704-4757 Fax 410-704-4149 Postal Address Applied Mathematics Laboratory Department of Mathematics Towson University Towson, MD 21252 Electronic Mail
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