Activities and Opportunities for UH Math Students
- Organizations/events/departmental resources
- Volunteer and Teaching opportunities
- Internship/Career Programs
- Mathematical Societies/Associations
- Additional Professional Associations
- Scholarships and Fellowships
- Corebridge Financial Partnership
- *New* UH Math Clubs
Organizations, Events, and Resources
The UH Math Department offers a number of opportunities and extracurricular activities for math majors.
- Cougar Mathletics
Webpage: https://uh.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/cougarmathletics ; Email: uhmathematics@gmail.com
Discord Page: https://discord.gg/J7K4JRt ; GroupMe: https://groupme.com/join_group/60125353/tfoa8IUw
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Mehrdad Kalantar , Mr. Moses Sosa ; Staff Advisor: Tai McAlister
- UH Science Club
Webpage: http://www.uh.edu/honors/undergraduate-research/research-spiffs-folder/uh_science_club.php
Contact People: Dr. Daniel Onofrei and Dr. Andrei Török
Provides opportunities for all STEM students to participate in group activities offered through the Department of Mathematics. It is a cohort of faculty and students who enjoy solving mathematical problems in unconventional ways. This club meets weekly, and is comprised of math enthusiasts from a wide range of disciplines.
- The Putnam Team at UH
Webpage: http://www.math.uh.edu/~torok/Putnam
Contact Person: Dr. Andrei Török
The Putnam Exam is a national math competition for college students. Each year on the first Saturday in December, over 2,000 college students throughout the U.S. spend six hours (in two sittings) trying to solve 12 math problems. Individual and team winners (and their schools) are named and cash prizes and fellowships are awarded to the top scorers. UH, like many other schools throughout the U.S., has a group of students that meets regularly throughout the fall semester to work on problems and practice for the annual exam. See the national Putnam Exam website, for more information about the exam itself.
- The Undergraduate Math Colloquium
Webpage: http://www.math.uh.edu/colloquium/undergraduate
Contact People: Dr. Daniel Onofrei and Dr. Andrei Török
This is a lecture series of mathematics talks given by nationally renowned researchers and accessible to an undergraduate audience.
- Pi Mu Epsilon (National Honor Society and UH Math Club)
Webpage: http://www.math.uh.edu/PME
Contact Person: Dr. Andreas Mang
Pi Mu Epsilon is the national honor society in mathematics, and the UH chapter also serves as the math department's Undergraduate Math Club. Pi Mu Epsilon organizes several events for math majors throughout the semester, and you can view a schedule of events here. The Pi Mu Epsilon meetings are open to all students.
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teachHOUSTON
Webpage: http://www.teachhouston.uh.edu/
teachHOUSTON is committed to combatting the shortage of qualified math and science teachers in our country and emphasizes early and on-going field-based teaching experiences while students are working to attain a bachelor’s degree in math or science.
The program is open to undergraduate mathematics and science majors interested in secondary STEM teaching or who want to expand their professional skills. Students graduate in four years with a degree in math or science as well as teacher certification.
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"Meet and Greet"/Math Social at the beginning of each semester
Webpage: https://uh.edu/nsm/math/news-events/seminars-events/meet-and-greet-events/Contact Person: Ms. Tai McAlister
At the beginning of each semester, the math department has a "Meet and Greet" for all math students and faculty. The department makes any relevant announcements to students, provides food and drink, and creates an opportunity for students and faculty to interact in a social environment.
- The Math Alliance
Webpage: https://mathalliance.org/mentor/william-ott/
Contact Person: William Ott
The Math Alliance is an organization whose goal is to encourage and provide opportunities for members of under-represented groups who wish to pursue graduate studies in mathematics or a mathematically-related field. It consists of an alliance of colleges and universities throughout the U.S., and the UH Math Department is a member. Students may join the Math Alliance as Alliance Scholars. Benefits of membership include a newsletter advertising professional opportunities, access to a network of mentors, eligibility for scholarships and summer programs, and the opportunity to apply to attend the annual Math Alliance Conference (called the Field of Dreams Conference).
- Mathematics Undergraduate Student Lounge (MUSL)
Webpage: http://www.uh.edu/nsm/math/undergraduate/activities/MUSL/
Contact Person: Ms. Tai McAlister
M.U.S.L. (Mathematics Undergraduate Student Lounge) 11 Fleming (Suite): This is located in the basement of Fleming, where you can study, work with a group, or relax with friends. M.U.S.L. is shared with a supported graduate student office, as well as three additional faculty offices. So please be cordial and keep in mind that this is also a working space. There are two white boards (one for each lounge room: 11A and 11B) for your use and plenty of seating. The lounge currently accommodates 15 students (max capacity). M.U.S.L. is open to all Undergraduate Math Majors at the University of Houston. If you have questions regarding the availability of the lounge, please visit our Departmental Tutoring page. Rules for M.U.S.L. are available.
- CVS Health Colleague Resource Groups (CRG)
CRG's are groups of individuals from all over the CVS Health who share a common interest or purpose. These groups are able to satisfy a wide array of interests and all have business impact. These groups include:
For more information about these groups, please view the link: ANATIVE, APNA, BCRG, BRAVE, CAPABILITIES, DRIVEN, FAITH, FC, FITCLUB, GREEN TEAM, JUNTOS, OUTLIERS, PRIDE+ , VIRTUAL, WISE
- AIG: Student Careers: The Americas
Discover the many opportunities available to students across both North America and Latin America, from positions in science and technology to risk management, human resources, and more.
Volunteer and Teaching Opportunities
- Undergraduate Peer Facilitators
Click this link to apply!
Contact Person: Wendy Johnson
Undergraduate Peer Facilitators will work alongside graduate TAs to better facilitate learning and individualized instruction in 3 hours of lab meetings for Calculus I in the fall and in the spring. Teaching assistants will attend a short meeting each week meeting with the course lecture instructor to discuss curriculum for the week and a summer training session a week before the semester begins to discuss teaching methods with an instructional facilitator. Teaching assistants will be required to attend the lecture course as well. A stipend of $2,000 per semester will be provided.
Qualifications: - Students must have earned an A- or A in both Calculus I and Calculus II
- Students must have taken at least 6 hours of MATH above Calculus II and earned at least an A-
- Students must have a cumulative 3.25 GPA with a minimum of a MATH 3.5 GPA
- High School Math Contest
Contact Person: Dr. Jeff Morgan
The UH Math Department hosts an annual Math contest for students across the state. Many mathematics undergraduate participate as graders or helpers. If you would like to volunteer, contact Dr. Jeff Morgan for more information.
Internship/Career Programs
- AIG (https://www.aig.com/careers/students) ; Corebridge Financial (https://corebridgefinancial.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/early_careers)
- AIG (Full-time Careers)
Webpage: Apply here
- Principal (Intern program)
Webpage: https://www.principal.com/about-us/careers/job-opportunities/recent-graduates-current-students
Mathematical Societies/Associations
There are several professional societies for mathematicians. The two main professional societies are the AMS and the MAA:
- The American Mathematical Society (AMS) is dedicated to the interests of mathematical research and scholarship, and serves the national and international community through its publications, meetings, advocacy and other programs. AMS list of resources for undergraduate math majors , AMS Headlines and Deadlines for Students
- The Mathematical Association of America (MAA) works to advance the mathematical sciences, especially at the collegiate level, through education, research, professional development, public policy, and public appreciation of mathematics. MAA list of resources for undergraduate math majors
- The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) exists to ensure the strongest interactions between mathematics and other scientific and technological communities.
- The Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) encourages women and girls to study and to have active careers in the mathematical sciences, and promotes equal opportunity and the equal treatment of women and girls in the mathematical sciences.
- The American Statistical Association (ASA) is the nation's leading professional association for statistics. Also see their Flyer for Undergraduate Resources.
- The American Academy of Actuaries (AAA) is a professional association whose mission is to serve the public and the U.S. actuarial profession. Academy members include consultants, corporate executives and staff, regulators, government officials, academicians, and retired actuaries. Their areas of practice cover pensions, life insurance, casualty insurance, health insurance, financial reporting, risk management, and more.
Additional Professional Associations
- Society of Actuaries (SOA)
Description: With roots dating back to 1889, the Society of Actuaries (SOA) is the world’s largest actuarial professional organization with more than 30,000 actuaries as members. Through education and research, the SOA advances actuaries as leaders in measuring and managing risk to improve financial outcomes for individuals, organizations, and the public. Actuaries are highly sought-after professionals who develop and communicate solutions for complex financial issues. Exam website: https://www.soa.org/education/exam-req/default/
- International Association of Black Actuaries (IABA)
Description: The International Association of Black Actuaries is a professional and student member organization whose mission is to contribute to an increase in the number of black actuaries and to influence the successful career development, civic growth and achievement of black actuaries. Our vision is to be the world's leading actuarial organization dedicated to influencing diversity by developing and recognizing the achievement of black actuaries.
- Organization of Latino Actuaries (OLA)
Description: Develop Latino Actuaries by promoting the profession and providing guidance, mentorship and networking opportunities.
- Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS)
Description: The Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) is a leading international organization for credentialing and professional education. Exam website: https://www.casact.org/admissions/exams/
- Data Science Association (DSA)
Description: The Data Science Association is a non-profit professional association of data scientists that serves our members, improving the data science profession, eliminating bias and enhancing diversity, and advancing ethical data science throughout the world. The DSA is committed to supporting the data science profession with practical resources for data professionals while improving the practice of data science, accrediting schools, and establishing model ethical codes. Membership is open to data scientists, scientists, students, academics, and others interested in science and the data science profession. Resource webpage: https://www.datascienceassn.org/resources
Scholarships and Fellowships
Here are a number of scholarships and fellowships that UH Math Majors can apply for, either to assist with paying for college or for graduate school.
- Scholarships administered by the Math Department.
- The Barry Goldwater Scholarship (with application information) is a scholarship that college students can apply for during their sophomore or juniors years. It provides financial support for your following year of undergraduate education (either junior or senior year). The Barry Goldwater Scholarship is a nationally renowned award and considered highly prestigious.
- Harry S. Truman Scholarship. The Truman Scholarship awards up to $30,000 scholarships to students who wish to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in public service. The Truman Foundation defines public service as employment in government at any level, uniformed services, public-interest organizations, nongovernmental research or educational organizations, public and private schools, and public service oriented nonprofit organizations. Applicants must be full-time juniors intending to graduate in the following academic year and be U.S. citizens or naturals. Applicants should have a strong academic and leadership record and have public service related experiences and goals. Candidates must be nominated by their university and may not apply directly. Each university may nominate only four students per year. You can find the UH Faculty Representative for the Truman Scholarship here. (At the time of this writing UH Faculty Representative is Karen Weber and you can contact her for more information or to ask to be nominated.)
- The Actuarial Diversity Scholarship is a scholarship for minority undergraduate students pursuing a degree that may lead to a career in the actuarial profession.
- A List of Scholarships for Prospective Actuaries maintained by the Actuarial Foundation.
- The Gertrude M. Cox Scholarship for women planning to enter statistically oriented professions.
- The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program provides $10,000 for undergraduate or graduate students studying to become math teachers in exchange for teaching at a "high needs" secondary school for two years after graduation.
Scholarships and Fellowships for undergraduates who are going to graduate school
- National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
The National Science Foundation provides fellowships to students pursuing graduate study in mathematics or science. These are often considered one of the most prestigious fellowships. - Hertz Foundation Fellowships
The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation provides unique financial and fellowship support to the nation's most remarkable Ph.D. students in the physical, biological, and engineering sciences. Fellowships are free of most traditional restrictions. - The Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs
Through its Fellowship Programs, the Ford Foundation seeks to increase the diversity of the nation's college and university faculties by increasing their ethnic and racial diversity, to maximize the educational benefits of diversity, and to increase the number of professors who can and will use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students. - The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowships
The Department of Defense awards NDSEG Fellowships to applicants who will pursue a doctoral degree in mathematics or science fields. - The National Physical Science Consortium Graduate Fellowships
The National Physical Science Consortium is a partnership between government agencies and laboratories, industry, and higher education. NPSC's goal is to increase the number of American citizens with graduate degrees in the physical sciences and related engineering fields, emphasizing recruitment of a diverse applicant pool.
- National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)