Hamilton Trust Summer Internship Programme Concludes with Poster Session

This year, I was offered the opportunity to coordinate the Hamilton Trust Summer Internship Programme for the School of Mathematics. Individuals or groups of up to three students could propose a research project with a supervisor, either from the School of Mathematics or from another scientific field if the projected had a mathematical basis. The internship ran for six weeks, from the beginning of May to the middle of July, and the students were asked at the end to present their results in a poster session as well as to submit a write-up of their projects and their results. There were a total of 14 projects with 21 students participating. The poster session was quite intersting, and it was great to see them sharing the results of their hard work.  Some of the students shared their reflections on the program:

I found the internship a great opportunity to investigate areas outside of normal undergrad teaching, and to work on a real life project independently. I enjoyed the weekly presentations as it gave some insight into other areas I did not have much previous knowledge of.-Rebecca Mangan

A very worthwhile experience. I gained a valuable insight into the research process. -Luke Gayer

For a student who enjoys self-direct learning, this internship offered me challenges and satisfaction not present in my college experience so far and a chance to approach problems uniquely suited to my strengths. Even working on a project alone, due to others working in similar areas collaboration was possible. Interacting with research level mathematics in a directed manner has given me a sense of purpose, context and direction in my studies, which I will appreciate in my Sophistor years and future projects. -Caelen Feller

This project has been an exceptionally enjoyable learning experience, working directly with a professor in college on an unsolved problem and gath- ering with my friends and fellow researchers to chat about how we are each progressing in our individual projects. It has provided a platform to use the critical thinking that I have developed from my undergraduate training and has afforded me with a real insight into the world of research in mathematics. -Micheal O Cobhthaigh

This internship was a fantastic experience. I was able to broaden my knowledge of mathematics and its applications by undertaking this project in a field outside the curriculum of my undergraduate study. The project meetings, presentations, talks and lifestyle is a good preparation to what a life in research may be like. It would also be a good taster for any undergrads to do before they embark on their final year project. -Conor O’Mara

 

The internship was a very positive experience – it can be difficult for undergrad students to picture what actual research feels like. The best thing about the internship was being able to experience that in some degree – while being supported by the academic staff. I found it very useful in that regard – I now know a little more about academic life, and what it’s like. -James McNeill

Below are some photos thereof.