Steve Butler

Steve Butler is a Professor and the Barbara J. Janson Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Iowa State University. His research focuses on spectral graph theory, combinatorics, and the mathematics of juggling. He earned his Ph.D. from UC San Diego (2008) under Fan Chung and completed an NSF Postdoc at UCLA with Benny Sudakov.

Research Interests:

• Spectral Graph Theory: Studies eigenvalues of graph matrices, equitable partitions, and Laplacian properties.
• Recreational Mathematics: Explores mathematical patterns in juggling, card shuffling, and performance.
• Combinatorics: Investigates Eulerian numbers, distance matrices, and graph automorphisms.

Scientific Awards:

• Barbara J. Janson Professorship (2017)
• LAS Early Achievement in Teaching Award (2014)
• Cassling Family Faculty Award (2014)
• MAA Iowa Section Award for Distinguished Teaching (2015)
• NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008-2011)

Advising and Outreach: Butler actively collaborates with students, producing educational videos and organizing undergraduate research initiatives. He served as Iowa State's calculus coordinator (2018-2020) and contributes to outreach programs for young STEM enthusiasts.