What is PIC Math?
PIC Math prepares mathematical sciences students for industrial careers by engaging them in research problems that come directly from industry.
The PIC Math program aims to:
- Increase awareness among mathematical sciences faculty and undergraduates about non-academic career options.
- Teach faculty how to make industry connections in order to provide research experiences for their students to work on real problems coming directly from business, industry, or government.
- Prepare students for industrial careers.
A strong component of PIC Math involves students working as a group on a semester-long undergraduate research problem from business, industry, or government. Undergraduate research is a high impact teaching and learning practice and has been shown to improve students abilities in:
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Independent thinking
- Communicating
All these traits and skills are valued by employers of STEM professionals. PIC Math will supply faculty with tools to offer students experiences designed to better prepare them for careers.
Support for this Program


PIC Math is a program of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM). Support is provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF grant DMS-1722275).
What Does PIC Math Include?
Summer Training Workshop for New Faculty
PIC Math includes a virtual summer workshop the week of July 10-14, 2023 for new faculty at U.S. institutions that will provide participants with:
- Information on careers and internships to share with students.
- Guidance on developing business and industry connections and partnerships.
- Exposure to mathematical and statistical problems that arise in industry.
- Training on how to develop skills in students that are valued by employers.
- Preparation for PIC Math’s research course and review.
Spring Semester Research Course
PIC Math provides faculty with resources for a semester-long, credit-bearing course focused on solving industrial problems. Each faculty participant will assemble a team of three to five students and work with them to develop their problem solving, teamwork, and communication skills. Faculty mentoring the research group will receive a $3000 stipend.
Please note that returning PIC Math faculty will not be eligible to receive a stipend from the PIC Math grant.
Student Projects Submission
Each student project team will collaborate with a business, industry, or government partner and will submit regular progress reports. By the end of the spring semester, students will submit a video presentation and written report detailing their solution.
Annual Student Projects Showcase
Students will be given the opportunity to present their results in person at a summer showcase and be recognized for their accomplishments. Students traveling to the showcase along with their faculty advisor will be eligible for travel reimbursement up to $2,000 per institution.
Our 2020 Student Showcase shifted to a virtual setting, and students could then take their presentations one step further and submit their final presentation video to MAA. These final videos, and all of the showcase project abstracts, are available on our 2020 Student Showcase webpage.

Resources for Faculty
Click here to see sample course resources, including syllabi, industry research problems, and supplementary resources.
Previous PIC Math Cohorts
PIC Math faculty cohorts from 2014-2022 had an additional component in their program. The report and video that students submitted were reviewed by industry professionals or academic mathematical scientists who have had extensive experience working on research problems from industry. These reviewers provided feedback on the students’ projects. One previous student showcase was held at the SIAM Annual Meeting while all other showcases were held at MAA MathFest.
How Do I Apply?
To apply for an MAA PIC Math Grant, first-time faculty participants must submit an application through Amplifund, our online application portal. You will need to create a free account within the Amplifund system. If awarded, this account will be used to administer your award, so please be sure to enter all of your contact information correctly. Returning PIC Math faculty who would like to apply for this year's cohort should use the link below. The application is now closed for this year's cohort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Create an Amplifund Account
On the "Application Details" page, click "Apply". On the next screen, click "Register". Enter the information as requested, and read and accept the terms and conditions. You may now complete your application.
Getting Started with Amplifund
Get started with Amplifund by watching this video. You will learn about setting up an account, completing an application, and submitting an application.
Application Requirements
A complete application should include:
- An application form
- A one-page statement of interest
- A letter of support from chair or dean
Click here to see current and past faculty participating in PIC Math programs.
Commitment to Diversity
This program supports underrepresented groups in the mathematical sciences, as well as first-generation and low socio-economic status college students. We are committed to ensuring participant diversity of ethnicity, gender, geographical location, and institution type.
More than one team may apply from a given institution, but because the program seeks to involve as many different institutions as possible, a second team from the same institution will only be considered if space is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us
Directors
Michael Dorff, Brigham Young University
Suzanne Weekes, Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Darren Narayan, Rochester Institute of Technology
Thomas Wakefield, Youngstown State University
Deirdre L. Smeltzer, Mathematical Association of America
Please send all questions to Darren Narayan at dansma@rit.edu.