William Baar, Class of 2020, a mathematics major from Allentown, conducted research at Muhlenberg College, Allentown, that applies social network analysis and algorithmic graph theory to professional sports teams trading practices.

The goal is to optimize trades among teams.

Working with Eugene Fiorini, professor of mathematics, Baar wanted to develop new algorithmic strategies to enhance trades among teams.

More than 60 students collaborated with faculty on a variety of research projects last summer as part of Muhlenberg’s research community.

Topics can be student or faculty driven, and span the natural and social sciences, humanities and arts.

Students were typically on campus for 8-10 weeks of full-time research and received a stipend, housing and college credit.

The undergraduate research participants joined in a weekly summer seminar series in which students discuss their work and an annual poster session allowed students to present their work to the campus community at large.

Students may also have traveled off-campus to present their scholarly work in their discipline at regional, national and international conferences, with travel funds provided by the school.

Many of the students took the opportunity to continue their summer research during the academic year by registering for independent study credit or a research assistantship under the guidance of a faculty member.

These programs provided hands-on experience with a faculty mentor to complement their classroom education with practical work experience.