Name:
Elisabeth Rodriguez
Degree Program:
BS in Mathematics
Expected date/year of graduation:
Fall 2027
Research interests:
Combinatorics, Topology, Complex Analysis and Cryptography
How did you come to choose FAU to pursue a degree in math at FAU?
I chose Florida Atlantic for several reasons, two of the most significant being the university’s proximity to home and the substantial amount of financial aid I received to attend. Before applying to university, I originally intended to pursue a different degree program. After having the opportunity to self-study some calculus in preparation for an AP course, however, I realized that my true interests laid in mathematics and changed my major accordingly. Since then, I’ve been to many events, such as presentations within the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, to further gauge my research interests.
What are your past/current research projects?
I am currently working on a research project with Aiden Corcoran and my research mentor, Dr. Lundberg, on “Finding the Distribution of the Length of the Longest Path of Acyclic Orientations on Complete Multipartite Graphs”. Currently, Aiden and I are generalizing our methods in finding the generating function of n-part sizes, while Dr. Lundberg will collaborate with Dr. Khera in finding the asymptotics.
What is life as an undergraduate student like at FAU?
Life as an undergraduate student here at Florida Atlantic has been a great experience thus far. I have been able to participate in many activities within the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, the most impactful being Math Club. During weekly meetings, I’ve made connections with other undergraduate students and current graduate students. Speaking with graduate students in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in particular has been very helpful in learning about the process of applying for graduate programs and the graduate student experience.
Tell us about your research interests and if you will continue further with this research? How will you contribute to the literature?
My current research project lies in the field of combinatorics; however, I would like to work on projects in topology and complex analysis in the future as well. In addition to research in pure mathematics, I also have interest in finding novel applications of topology in cryptography.
Who are the faculty members that were most instrumental in guiding you in your research and your degree at FAU?
Dr. Lundberg plays a significant role in my undergraduate research journey as my research mentor. Through our research project, I have been able to get acquainted with important tools such as LaTex and Wolfram Mathematica, as well as gain an understanding of the research process in mathematics. I am very grateful for the experience I am gaining under his guidance.
What research accomplishments to date are you most proud of? Where have, or where will, these accomplishments lead you in the near and far future?
The research accomplishment I am currently most proud of is presenting the current work on our research alongside my research partner Aiden Corcoran during the 15
th
Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. This experience has allowed me to learn how to present our research in such as way that individuals unfamiliar to our field could understand some of the concepts being discussed. I hope that having presented in the Symposium has aided me in becoming a better presenter, better preparing me for when I eventually present at a mathematics conference.
What will you do post-graduation?
After graduation, I plan to apply for a Ph.D. program so that I may get my doctorate in Pure Mathematics. My career plans involve becoming a professor so that I may continue research in my desired field while also helping others cultivate their interests in mathematics.
What clubs or leadership activities are you involved in at FAU?
I am currently the secretary of the Math Club here at Florida Atlantic for the 2025-2026 board. We are currently planning for the 2-25-2026 year with the goal of increasing involvement in university activities such as tabling to increasing awareness of the club and membership. During the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters, I also assisted in tabling with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics during the Choose FAU events to attract students towards a mathematics degree. My experiences as an undergraduate allowed me to provide an in-depth perspective of life as an undergraduate in the department.
I also attended the SIAM reading days during the Spring 2025 term and regularly attended Math Club meetings as a member during Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.
What has been the most beneficial aspect of your time here at FAU?
I think the most beneficial aspect of my time here at Florida Atlantic has been the very open nature of the Mathematics Department. At the beginning of my first semester, I was worried that I would not easily become part of the community. However, everyone I’ve met thus far has been very welcoming, which encouraged me to branch out in terms of involvement within the department. This has resulted in my ability to have participated in many events and activities in the span of only two semesters.
It has been a pleasure to get to know you, work with you and watch you grow! Thank you!!
