The Center for Industrial Mathematics and Statistics at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Abstract

“I like math a lot, but what can I do with it other than teach?”

In order to enhance the educational, research, and professional experiences for students and faculty at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and to help make contacts with business and industry, the Center for Industrial Mathematics and Statistics (CIMS) was established at WPI in 1997. Faculty and students work on research problems that come directly from companies and are of industrial and mathematical significance. CIMS research activities have included projects for mathematical sciences majors during the regular academic year, and the WPI REU Program in Industrial Mathematics and Statistics, which is supported by the National Science Foundation, the Department of Defense, and our industrial partners. Here we give an overview of our experience with the industrial research program, highlighting the processes, benefits, and challenges.