LSU RTG Summer Undergraduate Math Workshop
May 18–29, 2026
Louisiana State University
Explore new areas of mathematics, collaborate with peers, and experience how mathematicians learn and share ideas.
The LSU Department of Mathematics invites undergraduate students to apply for the 2026 LSU RTG Summer Undergraduate Math Workshop.
Participants will work in small groups to explore interesting areas of mathematics that are typically not part of the standard undergraduate curriculum. The program emphasizes collaborative learning: students will read mathematical material together, discuss ideas, and help teach one another the key concepts.
The workshop is designed to give participants a taste of how mathematicians explore new ideas and learn mathematics together. Students will gain experience reading mathematical texts, presenting ideas to their peers, and working collaboratively to understand challenging concepts.
Week 1, May 18-23
| M | T | W | Th | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 | Registration | Check-in | Check-in | Check-in | Check-in |
| 9:30 | Welcome | Prep | Prep | Prep | Prep |
| 10:00 | Intro talk (Analysis) | ||||
| 10:30 | Break | Talk | Talk | Talk | |
| Intro talk (Number Theory) | |||||
| 11:00 | Debrief | Debrief | Debrief | ||
| Break | |||||
| 11:30 | Intro talk (Topology) | Talk | Talk | Talk | Talk |
| 12:00 | Catered lunch | Debrief | Debrief | Debrief | Debrief |
| 12:30 | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Catered lunch, Networking event with RTG grad workshop participants. Topic: life in grad school, applying and preparing for grad school, time management | |
| 13:00 | |||||
| 13:30 | |||||
| 14:00 | Discussion Session | Check-in | Check-in | Check-in | |
| 14:30 | Prep | Prep | Prep | ||
| 15:00 | Planning meetings for the week | ||||
| 15:30 | |||||
| 16:00 | |||||
| 16:30 | Check-in | Check-in | Check-in | ||
Week 2, May 25-29
| M | T | W | Th | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 | Check-in | Check-in | Check-in | Check-in | |
| Capstone talk | |||||
| 9:30 | Prep | Prep | Prep | Prep | |
| 10:00 | Break | ||||
| 10:30 | Talk | Talk | Talk | Capstone talk | |
| 11:00 | Debrief | Debrief | Debrief | ||
| Break | |||||
| 11:30 | Talk | Talk | Talk | ||
| Capstone talk | |||||
| 12:00 | Check-in | Debrief | Debrief | Debrief | |
| 12:30 | Work time | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Catered lunch |
| 13:00 | |||||
| 13:30 | Panel: REUs, internships, and other summer opportunities, career options | ||||
| 14:00 | Check-in | Check-in | Check-in | ||
| 14:30 | Prep | Prep | Prep | ||
| 15:00 | |||||
| 15:30 | |||||
| 16:00 | BBQ | ||||
| 16:30 | Check-in | Check-in | Check-in | ||
Faculty Mentors and Topics
This year’s faculty mentors and topics are:
- Dr. Scott Baldridge — Topology
- Dr. Fang-Ting Tu — Number Theory
- Dr. Rui Han — Analysis
Each group will also be supported by two graduate student teaching assistants, who will help guide discussions and problem sessions.
Professional Development
In addition to learning exciting new mathematics, the workshop will include professional development activities. These will include panel discussions on topics such as:
- mathematical research opportunities,
- careers involving mathematics,
- and applying to graduate school
Who Should Apply?
We welcome applications from undergraduate students who are curious about mathematics and interested in exploring topics beyond their regular coursework. The workshop is particularly well suited for students who would like an introduction to reading and discussing advanced mathematical ideas in a collaborative setting.
Students from LSU and other colleges and universities are welcome to apply, and we particularly hope to attract students from regional colleges and universities. Students who are considering future research experiences or graduate study in mathematics are especially encouraged to apply.
Program Dates and Support
The workshop will run from May 18–29, 2026.
Accepted participants are expected to attend and actively participate for the entire two-week program.
Travel, lodging, and meals will be provided for all accepted participants.
How to Apply
Application deadline: April 10, 2026
Applications can be submitted through the Summer Workshop Application Form.
