I am hiring an REU this summer

I am hiring an undergraduate student for an REU this summer. Please distribute a link to this post to any students you know in the Richmond, Virginia area who would be a good fit.

Project Description

During a blizzard or a hurricane evacuation, how should ambulances respond to 911 calls?  This research project explores this research question using analytics and operations research.  In particular, this summer project focuses on how to characterize the impact of extreme weather events on emergency medical services using statistics, machine learning, and reliability models.  The statistical analysis performed by the undergraduate student researcher will be used to better inform optimization models in complementary research tasks.

Role of the Undergraduate Researcher

The student will be performing statistical analyses of the data that will be used to inform optimization models in other research tasks.  Methods that could be used include regression, data mining, and/or machine learning. If there is interest, the student could focus on building and analyzing mathematical models (using optimization, stochastic processes, queuing, and/or reliability).  The student will receive a stipend for their participation in this project.

Location

All research will take place on the Virginia Commonwealth University campus in Richmond, Virginia.

Requirements

• I am looking for intelligent, hardworking, and curious students who have taken courses in statistics, mathematical modeling, optimization, and/or simulation.
• Applicants must be undergraduate science majors (operations research, mathematics, statistics, engineering, economics, or other related scientific disciplines).
• Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
• Applicants should be juniors or seniors.  Students earlier in their studies who have strong backgrounds in statistics, modeling, and programming will also be considered.
• Applicants should be proficient with programming and/or statistical packages.
• Students must be available for the entire summer (mid-May to mid-August)
• Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

To apply, send Dr. Laura McLay (lamclay@vcu.edu) a resume and a statement summarizing your interest in this position, the courses you have completed (and grades), and programming/statistical software experience.  Please send everything as one pdf.  Applications are due by February 20, 2012.