GROVE CITY, Pa. – Junior Julia Davis of Dillsburg, Pa., will study mathematics this summer in a competitive research program at South Carolina’s Clemson University.

Davis begins her Research Experience as an Undergraduate (REU) on May 19 and ends July 12. The REU begins with a lecture period on the background of the topics of study, after which participants divide into groups to solve an assigned research problem. According to Dr. Gary Thompson, chairman of the math department, Davis will conduct research on Computational Number Theory and Combinatorics, essentially the studies of counting using abstract and self-evident mathematical structure.

“It was the Combinatorics part of the program that drew me to apply,” Davis said. “I’ve always really liked that type of mathematics.”

Davis first heard about the opportunity in an email notice from Thomspon, encouraging math majors to apply to this kind of program.

“REU programs are good launching pads for doing graduate work,” Thompson said.

Added Davis, “I’m hoping this REU will help me to figure out if grad school in math, particularly at Clemson, is something I want to do. I’m looking at it as a two-month opportunity to preview grad school. Hopefully this experience will help my prioritize my interests and figure out my future, but can still be something I can enjoy for the summer.”

Senior Tim Hopper completed an REU last summer at Rochester Institute of Technology. Other Grove City College students who have completed REU’s in the past include alumni Caroline Luchetta ’95, Todd Mateer ’96, Vic DeLorenzo ’00 and Anthony DiPierto ’05.