The Geometry Center is an NSF-supported group at the University of Minnesota. Most of their work relates to visualization of mathematical ideas and applications to education. A corollary of this is an active interest in current technology for such visualization. This ranges from computer programs (many of which, such as Geomview, have been developed at the Geometry Center) to instructional videos to hypertext documents illustrating concepts in several media. Most of the staff seem dedicated to the idea that abstract mathematics becomes accessible when the student is allowed to experiment with such technologies.

The permanent staff are quite energetic and supportive of the undergraduate summer visitors, partly because of this emphasis on making math accessible. I would suggest, however, having some idea of a project in which you would be interested when applying and before deciding to go. This is because when you are accepted by the Center, they assign you to a project of their own choice unless you specifically request one. It would be a good idea to talk to someone at the Center about possibilities for projects; looking at student reports from previous years might also help. I was assigned to a project which involved mostly programming. If I could have chosen, I probably would have picked a project that was a bit more mathematically conceptual. I think this was a problem for a few people in addition to me. Despite this, it was a fun summer experience. The people, both students and staff, were stimulating and pleasant.

The address to write to for information is:

The Geometry Center
Suite 500
1300 South Second Street
Minneapolis, MN 55454

Phone: (612) 626-0888

--John Golden (jagolden@math.harvard.edu)