Collin Bleak

Dr. Collin Bleak is a faculty member at the University of St Andrews, serving as the Director of Impact and holding the academic rank of Reader (equivalent to Associate Professor). He is affiliated with the School of Mathematics and Statistics, working in the Mathematical Institute. His research focuses on advanced topics in group theory, particularly geometric and combinatorial aspects involving Thompson’s groups, Higman groups, automorphisms, and PL homeomorphisms. He has supervised three PhD students: Pilar Duque Paez, Peiran Wu, and Zhongyi Zhou. His recent publications explore conjectures like the Boone–Higman conjecture, subgroup structures in Thompson’s groups, and applications of geometric methods in group theory.

His research interests span Group Theory, Geometric Group Theory, and Topological Dynamics, with a strong emphasis on algebraic structures and their geometric interpretations. Notable recent work includes studies on maximal subgroups, automorphisms of shift spaces, and embeddings of hyperbolic groups. While his work is primarily theoretical, he has also engaged in applied studies, such as estimating customer lifetime value in the gaming industry using incomplete data.

He holds no explicitly mentioned scientific awards but has an extensive publication record in prestigious journals like the Memoirs of the American Mathematical Society and Transactions of the American Mathematical Society. His advising and grants are centered on advancing research in algebraic and geometric group theory, with a focus on fostering collaborative projects and student mentorship.

Dr. Bleak’s research environment includes active participation in academic communities and collaborations with international researchers, contributing to the vibrant mathematical research landscape at the University of St Andrews.