Mentoring

Lab Meetings

Meetings will be held twice a month during the spring and summer terms. Regular weekly lab meetings begin in the fall.

IDeA Labs is a research environment for both graduate and undergraduate students from many difference disciplines. Previous students have included computer scientists, engineers, economists, mathematicians, and statisticians; although biologists, political scientists, social scientists, or finance, business, and a variety of other technical majors may thrive equally well.

Most students in IDeA Labs have long term plans of pursuing their Ph.D. degrees, while others use their experience in IDeA Labs as a springboard to prepare for other top programs. Some students decide not to pursue their Ph.D. and leverage their research experience in IDeA Labs to prepare for exceptionally innovative work in industry.

Students interested in applying for a position should contact. Dr. Warnick and Dr. Grimsman. Interested undergraduate students who have completed Linear Algebra have a variety of ways to get involved. These include:

  • Attending lab meetings (everyone is welcome).
  • Taking an independent study course from Dr. Warnick or Dr. Grimsman. The content of this course is tailored to the interests of each student, allowing both the student and Dr. Warnick or Dr. Grimsman to assess the fit for a mentoring relationship.
  • Completing an undergraduate Honors thesis.
  • Working on a senior capstone project under Dr. Warnick or Dr. Grimsman.
  • Developing and applying for an ORCA research scholarship through BYU's Office of Research and Creative Activities with Dr. Warnick or Dr. Grimsman.

Promising students may be selected to continue their work as paid Research Assistants. Some students may also be selected as industry externs, pursuing research relevant to the interests of a particular industrial partner. Others may work on independent projects, often of their own design. Student projects typically culminate in the publication of their results in top scientific journals or conferences.

Prospective graduate students with a strong interest in mathematical modeling and problem solving are encouraged to contact Dr. Warnick or Dr. Grimsman. International students applying from universities outside the United States should carefully review the expectations and mission of Brigham Young University, as well as the standards for admission to the Computer Science Department graduate program, before applying.