Haitian mathematician Ruben Louis won first prize in the best poster competition at the Poisson 2024 conference, held in Naples, Italy.
Ruben Louis himself announced this distinction on his Facebook page on Friday, July 14, 2024, by sharing a photo of himself surrounded by four other participants, accompanied by the caption: “Winner of the 2024 Best Poster Competition | Poisson 2024 Conference.”
The Poisson 2024 conference, a must-attend event for specialists in Poisson geometry, took place from July 8 to 12 in Naples. The event highlighted cutting-edge work, including during the poster session where Ruben Louis was recognized for his work entitled “On Nash Resolution of (Singular) Lie Algebroids.”
Poisson geometry, a fundamental field of study in mathematical physics and some differential geometrystudies structures on differential manifolds that generalize the familiar Poisson brackets of classical mechanics.
A former student of the École Normale Supérieure of the State University of Haiti, Ruben Louis earned a Master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Poitiers in France, before completing his PhD at the University of Lorraine. His thesis, “Universal Higher Algebras of Singular Spaces and Their Symmetries,” was honored with the 2023 Thesis Prize.
According to Ruben Louis, his poster summarizes his recent paper on the “Nash resolution of singular Lie algebroids.” “This work uses techniques from algebraic geometry to introduce a new approach to singularity resolutions in differential geometry. In particular, this method revisits the techniques developed in a recent construction based on the splitting of a smooth manifold along the leaves of a singular foliation. This project is a logical continuation of my doctoral thesis completed at the University of Lorraine, Metz, France,” Ruben Louis told Loop Haiti.
What made his poster stand out, he said, was the originality of the approach and the clarity of the presentation. “I used clear and precise visualizations to illustrate complex concepts, making it easier for the audience to understand the key ideas. In addition, I was able to present concrete results from my research, highlighting the practical impact of these structures in various fields.”
Ruben Louis expressed his satisfaction with the announcement of his victory, highlighting the enriching exchanges with other researchers in Poisson geometry during this event.
“Participating in plenary sessions and specialized workshops also allowed me to deepen my knowledge and find inspiration for future projects,” added the mathematician. He has also been invited to present his research in prestigious laboratories, including KU Leuven University in Belgium and Utrecht University in the Netherlands.
He highlighted the importance of his studies at the École Normale Supérieure d’Haïti, which provided him with a solid theoretical foundation in mathematics and essential academic rigor.
“I faced several significant challenges, including limited access to academic resources and research opportunities in my country,” he told us. “To overcome these obstacles, I demonstrated perseverance in seeking opportunities abroad. The invaluable support of my professors and academic networks allowed me to benefit from scholarships and participate in research programs.”
Ruben Louis encourages young Haitians to believe in their abilities and to persevere in their academic journey. “Seeking mentors and getting involved in academic networks, including internationally, is essential. Using online resources and digital libraries can help fill any local gaps in academic resources. Online resources played a crucial role in my mathematics studies, and continue to do so today,” he said.
His advice for Haitian students: “It is essential to actively apply for scholarship and internship programs, both in Haiti and abroad, to broaden your horizons and gain enriching experiences.”
Despite the current challenges in Haiti, Louis is convinced that determination and continued efforts are essential to succeed and contribute to the academic development of the country.
