Federico Ardila-Mantilla is a Professor of Mathematics at San Francisco State University and an Adjunct Professor at Universidad de los Andes, Colombia. His research focuses on combinatorics and its connections to geometry, algebra, and topology, with notable contributions to matroid theory, polytopes, and tropical geometry. He is also deeply involved in promoting equitable and inclusive mathematics education through initiatives like the SFSU-Colombia Combinatorics Initiative . His work bridges pure mathematics and applications, particularly in robotics and discrete geometry. He has held visiting positions including at the Institute for Advanced Study (Princeton, 2024-25). His research spans over 60 publications, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to combinatorial problems. Ardila advocates for accessibility in mathematics through axioms such as 'Mathematical potential is equally present in all groups' (cited widely in educational contexts). Key areas of research include algebraic structures on polytopes, Lagrangian geometry of matroids, and geometric enumeration. He collaborates internationally and mentors students across institutions. His outreach efforts aim to make mathematics accessible to underrepresented communities.
Rainer Sinn is a University Professor (on leave) at Leipzig University, specializing in Applied Algebra within mathematics. His research centers on real algebraic geometry, convex optimization, and sums of squares, with significant contributions to spectrahedra, amplituhedra, and nonnegativity certificates. His primary research interests include real algebraic geometry (focusing on nonnegative polynomials and quadratic forms), convex algebraic geometry (studying convex hulls of algebraic varieties), and combinatorial applications in optimization. He explores geometric structures like amplituhedra in theoretical physics and investigates algebraic solutions to optimization problems. Recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate a cohesive focus on algebraic approaches to optimization, with recurring themes in nonnegativity certificates, tropical geometry, and combinatorial aspects of algebraic varieties. His German-language works also address the philosophy and public understanding of mathematics, highlighting interdisciplinary impact. No scientific awards were documented in the provided sources. Details regarding academic advising, research grants, laboratories, or collaborative teams were not specified in the available information.
Søren Eilers is a Professor at the Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, affiliated with both the QA (Analysis & Quantum) and AG (Algebra & Geometry) sections. He holds editorial roles at Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications and contributed to Springer's Operator Algebra and Dynamics proceedings. Education : M.S. (1993), PhD (1995) in Mathematics from the University of Copenhagen. Positions : Assistant Professor (1996–1999), Associate Professor (1999–2008), Professor (2008–present). Research Interests : Focus on operator algebras, particularly C*-algebras associated with discrete structures. Active in symbolic dynamics, K-theory, and experimental mathematics. His work bridges algebraic structures and dynamical systems, with notable contributions to the classification of graph C*-algebras and the LEGO counting problem. Recent efforts emphasize computer-aided methods in mathematical research. Key Contributions : Pioneered geometric classification of graph C*-algebras, explored flow equivalence of shift spaces, and authored Introduction to Experimental Mathematics (2017). His research has been supported by grants such as the Villum Fonden's Experimental Mathematics initiative (2012–2016). Teaching & Mentorship : Supervised 28 PhD theses and numerous projects in analysis, discrete mathematics, and experimental mathematics. Taught courses in functional analysis, dynamical systems, and experimental methods. Scientific Leadership : Organized major programs like the 2016 Mittag-Leffler Institute's classification of operator algebras. Served as President of the Danish Mathematical Society (2006–2008) and led NordForsk's Operator Algebras and Dynamics network (2009–2012). International Collaboration : Extensive visiting appointments at institutions like MSRI (Berkeley), Fields Institute (Toronto), and Institut Mittag-Leffler (Stockholm). Maintains global research networks in operator algebras and dynamics.
Blake Jackson is an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Connecticut's Department of Mathematics. His research focuses on algebraic and enumerative combinatorics, representation theory, and applications of machine learning to mathematical problems. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama under Kyungyong Lee and is currently mentored by Ralf Schiffler and Kyu-Hwan Lee at UConn. Education and Background: Bachelor's degree from Jacksonville State University, Alabama. Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa). Research Interests: Blake’s work spans cluster algebras, symmetric functions, quiver representations, and machine learning. Recent projects include geometric modeling of modules over path algebras, studying Banff/Louise quivers, c-vector geometry for mutation-infinite quivers, and using machine learning to explore quiver mutation-acyclicity. He is actively developing algorithms to find combinatorial bijections on Dyck paths related to q,t-Catalan numbers. Publications: His recent work combines theoretical mathematics with computational methods, focusing on geometric and algebraic structures in combinatorics. Machine learning techniques are increasingly central to his research, driven by promising results in quiver mutation analysis. Awards: No specific awards mentioned in the provided texts. Grants and Advising: While no grants are listed, Blake collaborates with leading researchers in algebraic combinatorics. He mentors students through his research projects, though no formal advisees are noted. Labs/Teams: His current work involves interdisciplinary collaborations, including machine learning applications in mathematical research.
Roya Beheshti Zavareh is a Professor of Mathematics at Washington University in St. Louis, specializing in Algebraic Geometry. She earned her Ph.D. from MIT (2003) and holds a B.S. from Sharif University of Technology (1999). Her research focuses on rational curves, Fano manifolds, hypersurfaces, and moduli spaces, with notable contributions to birational geometry and arithmetic geometry. She has held academic positions at Washington University since 2007, including roles as Assistant Professor (2007–2013) and Associate Professor (2013–present). Her editorial roles include Communications in Algebra and Mathematische Zeitschrift. She co-organizes major conferences like the Western Algebraic Geometry Symposium and the I-70 Algebraic Geometry Symposium. Her grants include NSF funding (DMS-2101935, $203,917) and Simons Collaboration Grants. Awards include the Washington University Teaching Award (2018) and medals from the International Mathematical Olympiad (silver, 1994) and Informatics Olympiad (bronze, 1995). Her recent work explores geometric invariants of Fano varieties, positivity conditions in moduli spaces, and rational curves in positive characteristic. She actively collaborates with institutions globally and contributes to academic service, including roles on NSF review panels and leadership in the AWM Human Rights Committee.
Jim Haglund is Professor of Mathematics at the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in algebraic and enumerative combinatorics. His research explores symmetric functions, Macdonald polynomials, combinatorial statistics, rook theory, and polynomial root behavior. He directs the CAGE seminar and IPAC seminar series, fostering collaboration in combinatorics. Dr. Haglund's work connects combinatorics with representation theory and special functions, particularly through Macdonald polynomial operators and the Delta Conjecture. His research employs both theoretical frameworks and computational experimentation. Analysis of recent publications reveals consistent focus on combinatorial structures underlying symmetric functions, with innovations in delta operators, chromatic quasisymmetric functions, and rook theory generalizations. His work frequently bridges combinatorics with algebraic geometry and representation theory. Awards & Recognition: Fellow of the American Mathematical Society Editorial boards: Journal of Combinatorics and Involve Advising & Collaboration: Mentored 16 PhD students and numerous postdoctoral researchers. Leads combinatorial research group exploring connections between Macdonald theory, diagonal harmonics, and algebraic geometry.
Jonathan Novak is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). His research focuses on the combinatorial structure and high-dimensional behavior of multivariate special functions in random matrix theory, representation theory, and mathematical physics. He serves on the editorial board of the open-access journal Algebraic Combinatorics . Key research interests include algebraic combinatorics, special functions, and their intersections with random matrices and mathematical physics. His work explores combinatorial structures in high-dimensional spaces, asymptotic analysis of integrals, and connections between probability theory and algebraic structures. Recent publications emphasize topics like Berezin-Karpelevich integrals, quasimodular asymptotics, and topological expansions in matrix models. These studies highlight advancements in understanding complex systems through combinatorial and probabilistic lenses. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided information. His contributions extend to editorial work and advancing interdisciplinary research in algebraic combinatorics and mathematical physics.
Jake Levinson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Université de Montréal. His research focuses on algebraic geometry and algebraic combinatorics, with particular interests in moduli spaces, Schubert calculus, toric varieties, and equivariant free resolutions. He previously held positions at Simon Fraser University (2020–2023), the University of Washington (2017–2020), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at LaCIM (UQAM). His Ph.D. from the University of Michigan (2017) was advised by David Speyer. Research Interests: - Algebraic Geometry: Moduli spaces, Schubert calculus, toric varieties, homological algebra. - Algebraic Combinatorics: Crystal graphs, Young tableaux, representation theory, combinatorial aspects of algebraic geometry. - Recent work includes studies on Schubert curves, Springer fibers, and applications of algebraic methods to problems in combinatorics and theoretical computer science. Teaching: - Taught MAT 6620 (Algebraic Geometry: Schemes) at Université de Montréal (Winter 2024). - Previously taught courses on intersection theory, representation theory, and Lean formal proof systems. Key Contributions: - Developed combinatorial models for Schubert curves using crystals and tableaux. - Contributed to Boij-Söderberg theory for Grassmannians and studies of class groups in algebraic geometry. - Collaborated on projects linking algebraic geometry to neural networks and random matrix theory.
Jonathan Leake is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Combinatorics and Optimization at the University of Waterloo. His research lies at the intersection of combinatorics, optimization, and theoretical computer science, with a focus on log-concave and Lorentzian polynomials and their applications in discrete and continuous settings. Assistant Professor, University of Waterloo (2022–present) Dirichlet Postdoctoral Fellow, TU Berlin (2020–2022) Postdoctoral Fellow, Institut Mittag-Leffler, Stockholm (Spring 2020) Postdoctoral Fellow, KTH, Stockholm (Fall 2019) James H. Simons Fellow, Simons Institute, UC Berkeley (Spring 2019) His research explores the deep connections between algebraic structures and combinatorial phenomena, particularly through polynomial capacity and Lorentzian polynomials. He applies these tools to problems in optimization, sampling, and representation theory. His work often involves developing new algebraic and analytic techniques to tackle longstanding conjectures and algorithmic challenges. The recent publications highlight a consistent focus on Lorentzian polynomials, capacity bounds, and their applications in combinatorics, optimization, and theoretical computer science. Key themes include matroid theory, log-concavity, sampling algorithms, volume approximation, and connections to Lie theory and representation theory. The research spans both theoretical developments and algorithmic applications, often in collaboration with leading researchers in the field. Dirichlet Postdoctoral Fellowship, TU Berlin Postdoc Fellowship in Algebraic and Enumerative Combinatorics, Institut Mittag-Leffler James H. Simons Fellowship, Simons Institute, UC Berkeley Jonathan Leake has advised or collaborated with several researchers, though formal advisees are not listed in the provided text. His work has been supported by prestigious fellowships and collaborations with institutions such as the Simons Institute and TU Berlin. He has taught courses including CO 250: Introduction to Optimization, MATH 239: Introduction to Combinatorics, and CO 739: Lorentzian Polynomials at the University of Waterloo and TU Berlin. While specific lab or research group names are not mentioned, Leake's collaborative work with researchers like Petter Brändén, Nisheeth Vishnoi, and Leonid Gurvits suggests active participation in research teams focused on algebraic combinatorics, optimization, and theoretical computer science. His publicly shared code for sampling from HCIZ densities and verifying positivity in Lie-theoretic contexts indicates an active computational research component.
Dr. Thomas Britz is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Mathematics and Statistics, UNSW Sydney . He is a member of the Combinatorics Research Group and serves as Chief Editor of Parabola and Managing Editor for the Australasian Journal of Combinatorics . PhD in Mathematics (Aarhus University, 2003) Research: Discrete Mathematics, Combinatorics, Graph Theory, Matroid Theory, Coding Theory, Design Theory, and applications to renewable energy, bioinformatics, criminology, and more His research has been supported by grants including an ARC Discovery Grant and international fellowships. He has supervised numerous PhD, Master’s, and Honours students across diverse projects. Recent publications focus on harmonic Tutte polynomials, group divisible designs, and closeness centrality in graphs, reflecting his expertise in foundational and applied combinatorics. Awards : Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Student Wellbeing (2021), Science Dean's Award for Excellence in Student Wellbeing (2021), Vice-Chancellor's Award for Contributions to Student Learning (2015) He contributes to outreach activities , editorial service, and university committees, including the Education Excellence Committee and Sustainability Committee at UNSW.
Jayadev S. Athreya is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Washington, where he also serves as Director of the Washington Experimental Mathematics Lab. His primary affiliation is with the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. He holds dual roles as a Professor of Mathematics and Professor of the Comparative History of Ideas. Athreya co-directs the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences and is a founder of the Washington Experimental Mathematics Lab, emphasizing interdisciplinary experimental mathematics. His research interests span dynamical systems, geometric topology, number theory, and algebraic geometry. He focuses on translation surfaces, billiards dynamics, geometric flows, and probabilistic methods in geometry. His work often intersects with problems in ergodic theory, Teichmüller theory, and moduli spaces. Athreya has an extensive publication record, with recent work exploring billiard complexity in regular polygons, linear flows on translation prisms, and spectral properties of marked tori. His papers frequently address counting problems, asymptotic distribution of geometric objects, and connections between number theory and dynamical systems. He has taught advanced courses such as Quasiconformal Maps and Teichmüller Theory, Complex Analysis, and Elementary Number Theory. His pedagogical approach emphasizes hands-on exploration through the Washington Experimental Mathematics Lab, fostering collaborative research projects with undergraduates. Athreya is committed to accessible mathematics education, reflecting his alignment with Federico Ardila-Mantilla's axioms on equity and inclusivity in mathematical experiences. His work bridges theoretical research with educational outreach, advocating for mathematics as a universal, adaptable tool.
Paolo Aluffi is a Visiting Professor in Mathematics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), with a faculty appointment since 2008. His academic career spans institutions like Florida State University, where he has served as Professor since 2000. He holds an M.S. from the University of Turin (1983) and a Ph.D. from Brown University (1987) . Research Interests: Aluffi specializes in Algebraic Geometry , with a focus on Singularities , Enumerative Geometry , Moduli Spaces , and Intersection Theory . His work bridges abstract mathematical theory with applications in enumerative problems and geometric structures. Contact: Email: paluffi@caltech.edu Office: Linde Hall (37), Mail Code: MC 253-37
Dan Petersen is a Professor of Mathematics at Stockholm University, specializing in the intersection of algebraic geometry and algebraic topology with a focus on moduli spaces. His research explores topics such as cohomology theories, homological stability, and geometric structures. He has advised PhD students including Erik Lindell, Louis Hainaut, Josefien Kuijper, and Oliver Lindström. His work frequently intersects with geometric topology, number theory, and representation theory, as seen in his recent publications on handlebody groups, Mumford conjectures, and configuration spaces. Collaborations with postdocs such as Johan Alm, Marcel Rubió, and Sylvain Douteau highlight his involvement in advanced research networks. His contributions to algebraic structures and topological methods have advanced understanding in both pure and applied mathematics contexts.
Prof. Dr. Christopher Voll is a full Professor at the Faculty of Mathematics, Bielefeld University , Germany. He leads multiple subprojects in the Transregional Collaborative Research Center TRR 358 'Integral Structures in Geometry and Representation Theory' , including A1 (lattices), A4 (Euler products), and A6 (quiver zeta functions). His research bridges algebra, number theory, and combinatorics through zeta functions, subgroup growth, and representation theory.
Takeshi Ikeda is a Professor at Okayama University of Science , Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Applied Mathematics. His research spans algebraic geometry, combinatorics, and representation theory, with a focus on Schubert calculus and integrable systems. Education: Ph.D. in Natural Science from Tohoku University (1996). Sub-affiliations: Graduate School of Fundamental Science and Engineering, Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering (2024–2026). Ikeda's research explores the combinatorial and algebraic properties of Schubert classes in equivariant quantum cohomology rings, particularly for isotropic Grassmannians. His work connects Pfaffian formulas, Chern classes, and tautological bundles to Schubert calculus, with applications to conformal field theory and integrable systems. Recent publications highlight trends in K-theory and equivariant cohomology , including studies of affine Grassmannians, Schur functions, and degeneracy loci. Articles from 2024–2025 emphasize quantum cohomology, Peterson isomorphism, and symplectic geometry.
