In 2018, 22-year-old bachelor student Tara Trauthwein received a Uni.lu Top Student Award. After a master’s in mathematics at Cambridge University, the Luxembourg student returned to Uni.lu to pursue her PhD under the supervision of Prof. Giovanni Peccati. Currently a postdoc at Oxford University, she just received the esteemed Rolf Tarrach 2024 award for her doctoral thesis.
In our interview, the Luxembourg researcher speaks about the elegance of mathematics, the benefits of studying abroad, the Uni.lu mathematics department and how to overcome stressful times during a PhD.
While always a gifted student, it was Math olympiads that got her hooked to the subject in high school. “In school, you learn about the rules, how to apply them and calculate things. But math olympiads introduce you to a very different way of doing things. You get a problem to solve, and you have your math toolbox at your disposal, and now you need to get creative. It’s unlike anything you’ve tried in class.”
Tara’s mindset about mathematics changed. “That moment when you realize how to solve a problem, that’s very addictive. It’s like solving puzzles, at least for me, it is. Research, too, is like puzzles you need to crack, by trying different angles and ideas, and suddenly one enlightening idea leads to the solution.”
How to randomly meet the Grand-Duke of Luxembourg in Japan
And so began her international training, as math olympiads brought her to Brugge (Belgium), Turkey, Belarus, Thailand. These early travels exposed her to many of the things she would later experience in research: cross-cultural communication, living and working with people from very different backgrounds, as well as resilience and resourcefulness.
At Uni.lu, a semester abroad is mandatory for all bachelor students and considered an essential part of the bachelor study experience. Tara chose Kyoto University for her semester abroad and even learned a bit of Japanese before travelling. “It’s a unique opportunity to live in a completely different place, to experience a different culture during a limited period of time. You are not on your own, there is financial and organizational support. So, it’s an easy way to have a very enriching experience.”
“While I was studying in Kyoto, the Grand-Duke of Luxembourg made a state visit to Japan. Every Luxembourger there was invited to an event, so I actually met the Grand-Duke in Japan!
This international setting also prepared her for life as a doctoral candidate. “Among the PhDs at the University of Luxembourg, you have this very rich, international and diverse community, which is great to be in.”
When I tell people at conferences that I did my PhD in Luxembourg, they know what I’m talking about
After her master’s, a couple of factors brought her back to Luxembourg for her PhD. “My supervisor, Giovanni Peccati, is an amazing teacher, I knew early on that I wanted to do my PhD with him. In addition, the research that is carried out in the Department of Mathematics is well known, the researchers are really on top of their game. When I tell people at conferences that I did my PhD in Luxembourg, they know what I’m talking about.”
“Luxembourg and Oxford are very much at opposite ends of the age spectrum, each having their own benefits. Oxford carries a lot of tradition and all the rituals that have been kept over the years. But both places are very international, which I found highly enjoyable. Uni.lu being this very young, dynamic place, I could help shape it while it gets bigger and better. “
To appreciate your PhD, learn to enjoy the process – and tolerate frustration
And in terms of lessons learnt for aspiring doctoral candidates? “At times, it can get frustrating to be stuck, to work for a long time on a problem”, she smiles. “That’s when you have to remember that you’re doing this because you like mathematics and the beauty of it. It’s about finding joy in the journey before reaching the destination.”
“You’re not alone, your supervisor can steer you towards things that are achievable. If you have been working for too long on a problem, take a break and come back with a fresh mind. You usually find new ways to go about a question. And sometimes you might not solve your original problem, but you’ll usually have discovered some other interesting ideas along the way.”
Finally, communication, whether with peers or outside the math sphere, is paramount. “The best mathematicians today are those that have knowledge in diverse subjects and see connections beyond the obvious.”
‟ It’s amazing to stand at a blackboard and discuss a problem with someone and play table tennis with ideas. That is very satisfying. Even if it is someone from a different subject area, just explaining your problem to someone else often helps with sorting your thoughts.”
Inspiring girls to do math and work in STEM fields
The Uni.lu mathematics department is very active in outreach, thanks notably to the programs built by Hugo Parlier and Bruno Teheux, like MathenJeans and GirlsExploringMaths, as well as events like the Math Day organized by Antonella Perucca. “These activities are very valuable, since you approach math from a fun and relaxed angle. Plus, seeing people you can relate to doing math helps on a subconscious level, that’s why showcasing diversity is very important, too”, she assures.
“Studying mathematics gives a great basis in critical thinking and problem-solving, and a mindset that is appreciated in industry. You can do a great variety of things with a math diploma.”