The Chelluri Lecture series is offered in memory of Thyagaraju (Raju) Chelluri, who graduated magna cum laude from Cornell with a Bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1999. Raju was a brilliant student, a gifted scholar, and a wonderful human being who died on August 21, 2004, at the age of 26, shortly after completing all requirements for the Ph.D. at Rutgers University. He wrote a thesis called Equidistribution of the Roots of Quadratic Congruences under the supervision of H. Iwaniec and was awarded a Ph.D. posthumously.
The Chelluri Lecture Endowment was established in 2004 with support from family and friends of Thyagaraju (Raju) Chelluri. Each year, a distinguished mathematician will be invited to give the Chelluri Lecture.
Upcoming Lectures
Chelluri Lecture Series
Friday, September 11th, 2026
Details: The Lecture will take place in 253 Malott Hall, from 4:30 to 5:30 pm, with a Reception to follow from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in Baker Portico in Physical Sciences.
Speaker: William Duke, Distinguished Research Professor, UCLA
Title: Ramanujan and Modular Forms
Abstract: The theory of modular forms is a central area in modern number theory to which Ramanujan made early and fundamental contributions.
He had an uncanny ability to uncover examples and formulas that are both beautiful and seminal. In this talk I will describe some of these examples, starting with one that provides an accessible introduction to the subject.
I will also outline a few of the directions that they initiated and some of the more modern advances that have resulted. My main goal is to give some insight into Ramanujan’s highly original and ingenious mathematical thought.
For accommodations or accessibility, please contact Jill Renee Hoffman.