Rob Kusner

Robert B. Kusner is a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, directing the Center for Geometry, Analysis, Numerics and Graphics (GANG). His research focuses on geometric analysis, variational problems, low-dimensional topology, and mathematical visualization. He holds editorial roles at journals like Journal of Experimental Mathematics and has served on the Board of Trustees for the Association of Members of the Institute for Advanced Study. Kusner earned his Ph.D. from UC Berkeley (1988) and has held visiting positions at institutions including Stanford, Penn, and the Isaac Newton Institute. His work spans minimal surfaces, constant mean curvature surfaces, knot theory, and applications in biomathematics. He has advised students on topics ranging from geometric configurations to biomembrane modeling. Kusner’s contributions include over 150 publications and collaborations in experimental mathematics, geometric flows, and interdisciplinary research.

Education:

• Ph.D. Mathematics, University of California, Berkeley, 1988
• C.Phil. Mathematics, University of California, Berkeley, 1984
• B.A. Mathematics and Physics, Haverford College, 1981

Research Interests: Geometric analysis, variational problems, minimal surfaces, Willmore energy, knot energies, biomembrane modeling, and topological configurations.

Grants & Collaborations: Extensive funding for research in geometric analysis and interdisciplinary projects. Collaborations include work on the Willmore conjecture, biomembrane numerical methods, and topological colloids.

Labs/Teams: Director of GANG, leading a team in experimental geometry and computational mathematics. Active in organizing workshops on geometric topology and condensed matter physics.