3M Donation Boosts Math And Science Research In Summer Math Program

3M has announced a $10,500 donation to support the research activities of the 2014 Mathworks Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) program at Texas State University.  This funding will support the research advisors that work with the students in the program.  Mathworks engages 9 to 10 faculty each year in advising original math and science research, generating new findings in scientific fields while inspiring and mentoring the next generation of mathematicians, engineers, and scientists.  In 2013, 3M scientists Dr. Carl Fisher and Dr. Eumi Pyun had the opportunity to mentor one team of HSMC students on a project modeling the properties of different molecules.  The resulting research paper, "Generating Molecular Solubility Predictors Using Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships," earned a semifinalist award in the Siemens Competition for the team of Justin Zhang, Amber Guo, and Angela Feng.  "Based on the excellent work done by our students last summer, 3M hopes to provide mentors to even more teams this year," noted Dr. Pyun.

 

This most recent support pledged by 3M represents a tremendous public-private partnership to engage, develop, and motivate young students in their pursuit of doing math and science.  Students grow their critical and creative thinking through experiences not normally offered in their schools, letting them see how theory is tied to the real-world.  3M's commitment to giving math and science learning opportunities to students presents an incredible model for other companies to follow.  Russell Bridges, Manager of 3Mgives and Public Affairs, remarked, "The future of 3M and the entire tech sector depends on nurturing the minds of youth who have shown a passion for math and science.  Texas State University is a great partner for us to help accomplish this.  These students are amazing!"