Sam Nelson

Sam Nelson holds the endowed title of George C.S. Benson Professor of Public Affairs in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. His expertise spans Algebraic Topology and Knot Theory, with research interests focused on low-dimensional topology and algebraic topology. He teaches courses including Calculus, Discrete Mathematics, and Linear Algebra. Nelson's work includes publications on knot invariants, quandle theory, and topological structures.

• Education: Ph.D. and M.S. from Louisiana State University; B.S. from University of Wyoming.

Research interests emphasize combinatorial approaches in knot theory and the application of algebraic methods to topological problems. His publications explore virtual shadow modules, Yang-Baxter cocycles, and polynomial invariants of finite quandles. He is affiliated with Adams Hall 200.