The Mathematics of Billiards (IMAGE) University of Chicago Caption In rational billiards, mathematicians examine the behavior of billiard balls on unusually shaped frictionless tables. Alex Eskin, professor in mathematics and the college, has received the Clay Research Prize for his research on rational billiards and other work. Moon Duchin, a former graduate student of Eskin's, ran across this L-shaped table at a sports bar near Gansbai, South Africa, in 2001. Credit Photo courtesy of Moon Duchin Usage Restrictions This photo may be used by news organizations to illustrate reports describing the work of Alex Eskin. For any other use, contact mduchin@gmail.com for permission. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.