Jonathan A. Kelner

Jonathan A. Kelner is a Professor of Applied Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a member of the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL). His research focuses on applying techniques from pure mathematics to solve fundamental problems in algorithms and complexity theory, with the goal of developing practical algorithms for real-world questions.

Dr. Kelner received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and his Ph.D. in Computer Science from MIT in 2006. Before joining the MIT faculty, he spent a year as a member of the Institute for Advanced Study. His educational background has provided a strong foundation for his interdisciplinary research spanning mathematics and computer science.

His research interests include combinatorial optimization, mathematical programming, spectral graph theory, distributed computing, machine learning, computational geometry and topology, computational biology, signal processing, and random matrix theory. Kelner's work demonstrates how deep theoretical insights can lead to practical algorithmic improvements, particularly in graph algorithms and optimization problems. His approach often involves connecting seemingly disparate areas of mathematics to create novel algorithmic techniques.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on spectral graph theory, optimization algorithms, and the Sum-of-Squares method. His work frequently addresses fundamental questions in theoretical computer science with practical implications for algorithm design. A notable trend in his research is the development of nearly-linear-time algorithms for various graph problems, which represents significant improvements over previous approaches.

• NSF CAREER Award
• Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship
• NEC Award for Research in Computers and Communication
• Sprowls Doctoral Dissertation Award
• Best Student Paper Award at STOC 2004
• Best Paper Award at STOC 2011
• Kokusai Denshin Denwa Junior Faculty Chair 2008
• Harold E. Edgerton Faculty Achievement Award 2011
• School of Science Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Education 2012

Professor Kelner has been actively involved in mentoring students and has received recognition for his teaching excellence, including the School of Science Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Education in 2012. His research has been supported by prestigious grants including the NSF CAREER Award. He has collaborated extensively with researchers across multiple institutions, often working with other leading figures in theoretical computer science to produce groundbreaking results in algorithm design.

At MIT, Kelner is part of both the Mathematics Department and CSAIL, positioning him at the intersection of theoretical mathematics and practical computer science. This dual affiliation reflects the interdisciplinary nature of his work, which bridges pure mathematical theory with concrete algorithmic applications.