LSU Mathematics Student Colloquium
The goal of the LSU Mathematics Student Colloquium is to give both undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to hear and interact with speakers from across the country, providing information and perspective possibly relevant to their graduate and postgraduate careers.
Each invited speaker will spend several days at LSU, giving multiple talks and making himself or herself available to undergraduates.
Talks are not confined to the math department but open to everyone. Those majoring in related fields are encouraged to come.
We are a chartered LSU student organization (constitution and bylaws). We are munificently funded by the Student Government Programming, Support, and Initiatives Fund (PSIF), and the LSU Mathematics Department. We are grateful for the generous past funding made by grants from the National Science Foundation (a VIGRE grant) and the Board of Regents.
Wednesday, November 4 & Thursday, November 5: Steven Clontz
Steven Clontz is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. His research is in general and set-theoretic topology. He also studies the advancement of sociotechnical infrastructure underlying contemporary mathematics and STEM education research and practice. He designs puzzles which have been featured in the National Museum of Mathematics and in MaPP Challenge events across the country. His work to help integrate accessibility in mathematics has been monumental.
Student Colloquium (Location: Lockett Hall 233; Wednesday, November 4, Time: 1:30pm)
Title: Database-Driven Mathematical Inquiry in Topology
Abstract: Recent advances in computing have changed not only the nature of mathematical computation, but mathematical proof and inquiry itself. While artificial intelligence and formalized mathematics have been the major topics of this conversation, this talk will explore another class of tools for advancing mathematics research: databases of mathematical objects that enable semantic search, particularly the π-Base community database of topological counterexamples.
Student Colloquium (Location: Lockett Hall 136; Thursday, November 5, Time: 10:30am)
Title: Accessible and Interactive Mathematical Documents for Instruction
Abstract: Beginning April 26, 2027, all public universities will be required to ensure digital documents posted online must be accessible to screenreader users. Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act can be quite tricky in mathematics, given our reliance on intricate formulas and graphics, and even interactive elements such as code or three-dimensional renders, for research and education. In this talk we will explore three particular tools for meeting this upcoming accessibility requirement: PreTeXt, Prefigure, and Doenet.
Gallery
See for photos of our previous student colloquiums.