David B. Massey

David B. Massey is a Full Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Northeastern University, where he has been a faculty member since 1991 after joining as a regular faculty member following his National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowship.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Duke University (1977-1981), summa cum laude
• Ph.D. in Mathematics from Duke University (1981-1986)

Professor Massey specializes in singularity theory, particularly complex analytic singularities, with research spanning algebraic geometry, topology, and complex analysis. His foundational work focuses on perverse sheaves, Milnor fibers, vanishing cycles, and stratified Morse theory, significantly advancing understanding of non-isolated singularities and Lê cycles. His methodologies integrate topological invariants with algebraic structures to solve complex problems in hypersurface singularities.

Recent publications (2021-2024) reveal a concentrated exploration of numerical perverse sheaves, polar multiplicities, and real links, alongside innovative applications to hypersurface singularities. His work on Milnor fibers, Betti numbers, and monodromy demonstrates consistent advancement through stratified Morse theory, with notable contributions to Minkowski inequalities and non-isolated singularity analysis.

Scientific awards:

• National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (1991)
• Multiple teaching awards at Northeastern University

Professor Massey has advised numerous graduate students throughout his career and founded the Worldwide Center of Mathematics, LLC in 2008, which has provided significant research support and educational resources. His work has been sustained by continuous grant funding including his early NSF fellowship and ongoing institutional support.

He leads the Worldwide Center of Mathematics, LLC, an independent research organization dedicated to advancing mathematical knowledge through publications, conferences, and educational outreach since its founding in 2008.