Program Overview

The Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Alabama in Huntsville invites applications for a National Security Agency (NSA)-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). Participants engage in original, faculty-mentored research and develop preparation for graduate study and research-driven careers.

No prior research experience is required.

Program Dates

  • Summer 2026: June 1 – July 24, 2026
  • Summer 2027: June 7 – July 30, 2027
  • Full-time commitment (approximately 40 hours/week)

Apply

Email toka.diagana@ah.edu and request the application.

Research Areas

Projects span theoretical, computational, and applied mathematics:

  • p-adic dynamical systems
  • graph theory and zero forcing
  • threshold protocol games on graphs
  • data-constrained modeling of the solar atmosphere
  • physics-informed neural networks (PINNs)

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States
  • Be current undergraduate students in good academic standing
  • Be available for the full 8-week program

Students from institutions with limited research opportunities are strongly encouraged to apply.

What Participants Will Do

  • Conduct original research under close faculty mentorship
  • Participate in seminars and professional development activities
  • Present findings through a final poster and written report
  • Gain preparation for graduate school and research careers

Financial Support

Each participant receives:

  • $4,000 stipend
  • On-campus housing at no cost
  • Travel support to and from Huntsville, Alabama (subject to program limits)

Required Materials

Applicants must submit:

  • Completed fillable PDF application
  • Unofficial transcript (PDF)
  • Two faculty recommendation letters

Submission Process

Step 1 — Request the Application

Email: toka.diagana@uah.edu

Subject: Request UAH NSA REU Fillable PDF Application

Step 2 — Submit Materials

Email the completed application and transcript to:

toka.diagana@uah.edu

 

Subject: NSA REU Application -- LastName, FirstName

File naming format:

LastName-FirstName_UAH_NSA_REU.pdf

Recommendation Letters

Two (2) recommendation letters should be sent directly to: toka.diagana@uah.edu

Subject: NSA REU Recommendation -- Student LastName

Important Dates

  • Applications Open: February 9, 2026
  • Application Deadline Screening begins March 9, 2026 and continues until all slots are filled
  • Decisions Announced: Late-March 2026

This program is supported by the National Security Agency (NSA) Mathematical Sciences Program.

Program Leadership