Here are some comments we received from our summer, 2007 group.

``The strongest aspects of the Trinity REU Program are the

accessibility of the problems, the facilities, and the mentors

... The Trinity REU has given me a much better understanding of

what mathematics research entails, and the colloquia helped broaden

my math background ... What convinced me to go to the Trinity

REU were the website and the large amount of detail that it gave me

about the program, and the personal attention that the staff gave me

once I had been accepted and was trying to decide (where to go).

... Overall, I had an awesome time and would definitely do it

again give the chance.''

``I had a good time and enjoyed the experience thoroughly - thank

you!''

``The success of past participants and their enthusiasm as they came

through (visiting) was enlightening.  They were genuine people who

made graduate work otherwise usually kept hidden from undergrads

seem relevant and eventually accessible.  Compared to some stories I

have heard about REU programs, the faculty were very friendly and

available, and of course mathematically impressive.  The graduate

advisors where outstanding examples of young mathematicians.  The

emphasis on getting an end product to potentially publish was

reassuring rather than overwhelming.''

``The program was really strong organizationally and socially.  All

of the participants, grad assistants and faculty were awesome, and I

had a great time.  The research was structured in a manner that we

had good problems to work on the entire time, and were able to make

steady progress ... Making sure the visiting speakers were

integrated with the group is a big plus ...   The program has

greatly increased my confidence and experience in the research area.

It's definitely helped my self-reliance outside of the classroom,

and developed my ability to focus on open-ended problems.''

``I feel that the strongest aspect of the program is Dr. Chapman's

long experience with running the REU.  He was able to help our group

choose a project with attainable goals and the possibility of

publication in the future.  He was also able to suggest many

extracurricular activities and to arrange transportation ...

Firstly, I have learned a great deal about numerical monoids that

has not been covered in any of my undergraduate courses.  Secondly,

the other group presentations and colloquiums have made me

interested in exploring other areas of mathematics, such as

combinatorics and number theory.  Finally, I have learned a lot

about the graduate school application process, as well as about

doing mathematical research.''

``Great research experience - will prove useful in graduate school.

... Great program ...''

``The strongest aspects of the Trinity REU Program would be the

caliber of the program (in terms of the math) as well as the group

dynamics within the group as a whole.  The program was organized

such that all participants have the chance to gain something from

the program.  I personally felt very timid about my performance and

the amount of insight I could provide at the start of the program.

However, all three assistants encouraged me to stick with the math,

and I really learned a lot.  Also, I feel like the opportunities for

the group to bond outside the math building made the summer very

enjoyable.  The weekly dinners, tubing trip, and end of the year

party allowed for me to get to know the professors better, as well

as spend more time with the rest of the group ... I feel like

this program has developed my skills to analytically look at a

problem and attempt to solve it.  I have a much better sense of how

mathematical research is in grad school, and I have much greater

confidence in my abilities for research and mathematics.''

``I have enjoyed my experience here at Trinity, and I believe the

program was run well.  I came here expecting and looking for a

challange, and I got it.  Maybe it is just me, but I could not help

but compare myself to the other students.  I had to question my fit

in the program, but I can see the benefit of working closely with

other students with such great talents.  I would like to think some

of those talents rubbed off on me, something to take back with me to

my home institution.''

``I feel that the strongest point would definitely have to be the

social aspect with the other students, with the TA's, and with the

profs.  On the whole, it just contributed to make me feel extremely

confortable.  I had an extremely fun time with my project - largely

due to the interactions with the prof.  I also felt that the program

was very well organized.  Both of these are also tremedous strengths

of the program ... I had a really great time being here.''