Richard S Laugesen

Richard S Laugesen is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, serving as Associate Chair for Faculty. He specializes in differential equations, mathematical physics, and complex analysis with a focus on extremal problems. His roles include Director of Graduate Studies in Mathematics (2012–2017) and leadership in interdisciplinary programs like the Illinois Sloan University Center of Exemplary Mentoring (co-PI, 2015–2018).

Education: PhD in Mathematics from Washington University in St. Louis (1993).

Research interests span spectral theory, geometric optimization, and partial differential equations. His work emphasizes eigenvalue optimization, capacity theory, and applications to physics and engineering. Recent studies investigate Riesz capacity, Neumann/Robin eigenvalues, and spectral shape optimization.

Notable awards include the Campus Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching (2017), Distinguished Teaching Award (2016), and multiple teaching honors from 2003. He has secured grants from the Sloan Foundation, NSF, and Simons Foundation, supporting initiatives in STEM education and mathematical sciences.

Advising and mentorship form a key part of his career, with contributions to internship networks and graduate training programs. His research group actively explores interdisciplinary problems at the intersection of analysis, geometry, and applied mathematics.