Mark D. Haiman is a Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, Department of Mathematics, with research interests spanning algebra, combinatorics, and algebraic geometry. His work connects symmetric function theory with geometric objects like Hilbert schemes and algebraic structures such as Cherednik algebras and Hecke algebras. Appointed: 2001 Contact: mhaiman@math.berkeley.edu Teaching: Math 256B—Algebraic Geometry (Spring 2025), Math 249—Algebraic Combinatorics (Spring 2024), and others in calculus and Lie groups. Research Interests : Haiman's research focuses on Macdonald polynomials, LLT polynomials, Hilbert schemes of points in the plane, and their combinatorial and geometric implications. His work includes resolving the Macdonald positivity conjecture and the n! conjecture through algebraic geometry. Publications : Haiman has contributed to foundational papers in combinatorial and algebraic structures, including generalizations of the shuffle theorem and positivity results for LLT polynomials. His articles often bridge representation theory, symmetric functions, and geometric methods. Students : He has supervised numerous PhD students, including Magda Hlavacek (2023), Foster Tom (2022), Jeremy Meza (2021), Maryam Farahmand-Asil (2018), Maria Monks Gillespie (2016), and others working on combinatorial algebraic geometry and related fields.
Brent Pym is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at McGill University. His research focuses on the intersection of differential, algebraic, and noncommutative geometry, with a particular emphasis on Poisson varieties and deformation quantization. He has held academic positions at the University of Edinburgh, University of Oxford, and was a Postdoctoral Fellow at McGill and the University of Toronto. Education: BScE in Engineering Physics, Queen's University (2007) MSc in Mathematics, University of Toronto (2008) PhD in Mathematics, University of Toronto (2013) Research Interests: Pym studies Poisson structures, their quantizations, and connections to mathematical physics. His work involves classical/derived algebraic geometry, D-modules, moduli spaces, the Stokes phenomenon, and multiple zeta values. Recent projects include holonomic Poisson manifolds, log symplectic structures, and software for symbolic calculations in deformation quantization. Awards: Lichnerowicz Prize (2018) Advising & Grants: Pym has openings for graduate students (admission 2026) and undergraduate projects (2026–27). He develops the Star Products software package for symbolic calculations in Poisson brackets and quantization. His work is supported by research collaborations and institutional grants. Labs & Teams: Pym collaborates with researchers in geometry and mathematical physics, contributing to projects in noncommutative algebra and geometric quantization. His software tools enhance symbolic computation in these fields.
Amadeus Gebauer is a Researcher at the Chair of Computational Mechanics within the Institute for Computational Mechanics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), serving as a Research Associate since 2019. His work specializes in computational biomechanics with emphasis on cardiac mechanics modeling, growth and remodeling processes, and multi-physics simulation frameworks. Education: Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, 2019 Research Interests: Gebauer's research centers on cardiac mechanics modeling, including growth and remodeling of cardiac tissue, cardiac active tissue mechanics, and medical image processing. He develops advanced computational methods for parallel and high performance computing, particularly through the 4C multi-physics simulation framework. His work integrates constrained mixture models to simulate organ-scale biological processes, bridging computational mechanics with clinical cardiology applications and focusing on mechanobiological stability in cardiac systems. Publication Trends: Gebauer's publications (2018-2025) demonstrate consistent innovation in computational cardiology, primarily using constrained mixture models to address cardiac growth and remodeling. His recent work introduces adaptive integration techniques for history variables and homogenized modeling approaches, while expanding into software benchmarking for cardiac elastodynamics and gastric motility simulations. These contributions highlight his expertise in developing robust numerical methods for multi-physics biomedical problems, with increasing focus on patient-specific applications and high-performance computing solutions. Teaching and Advising: Gebauer teaches core computational mechanics courses including Finite Elemente and Numerische Festkörpermechanik across multiple semesters. He has supervised diverse student projects ranging from term papers to Master's theses, with notable collaborations including Maximilian Grill's shoulder biomechanics research (2020) and Janina Datz's artery geometry framework development (2021). His advising consistently focuses on cardiac mechanics, computational modeling, and medical device simulation. Research Environment: As part of Professor Wolfgang A. Wall's Institute for Computational Mechanics (LNM) at TUM, Gebauer contributes to a leading research group in computational solid/fluid mechanics. The LNM develops the 4C simulation framework for complex engineering and biomedical challenges, with current emphasis on cardiac growth modeling, multi-physics integration, and high-performance computing applications in personalized medicine.
Ştefan Tohăneanu is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistical Science at the University of Idaho , affiliated with the College of Science. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Texas A&M University (2007), and M.S. degrees in Algebra (2001) and Analysis (2001) from the University of Bucharest, where he also earned a B.S. in Mathematics (1997). Research Focus: Commutative Algebra, Hyperplane Arrangements, Matroid Theory, and applications to Coding Theory, including generalized Hamming weights, Orlik-Terao algebras, and homological properties of ideals. Publications: Recent work explores Betti numbers, Jacobian ideals, logarithmic derivations, and connections between algebraic invariants and coding theory problems like minimum distance computation and error correction. Collaborations: Engages with global research networks through affiliations with institutions such as Texas A&M University, University of Bucharest, and University of Idaho.
Alexander Gorodnik is a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Zurich, focusing on the interplay between dynamical systems and number theory. His work bridges ergodic theory, homogeneous dynamics, and Diophantine approximation, with applications to arithmetic counting problems and geometric distribution of lattice orbits. Current lectures include MAT121: Analysis I and MAT221: Analysis III at the University of Zurich Co-author of the book The ergodic theory of lattice subgroups (Princeton University Press, 2010) Editor of the journal Ergodic Theory and Dynamical Systems His research explores Diophantine approximation through dynamical systems, investigating how orbits of group actions distribute in homogeneous spaces. Key topics include mixing properties , central limit theorems , and metric theorems for multiplicative approximation. Recent publications address automorphic density estimates , discrepancy in intrinsic Diophantine approximation , and effective equidistribution of translated measures. His work often employs tools from representation theory and spectral analysis . Current working group members include Zhiyuan Deng , Zouhair Ouaggag , and Yuval Yifrach . He has taught courses at institutions in Zurich, Bristol, Princeton, and Mumbai, with lecture materials covering topics from ergodic theorems to Každan's property (T) .
Stefano NASINI is an Associate Professor at the University of Lille 3, specializing in Quantitative Methods within the Economics and Mathematics Sciences. He holds a HDR (Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches) from the University of Lille 3 (2021), a Ph.D. in Statistics and Operations Research from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (2015), and a Master in Statistics (2011). His research focuses on optimization, complex networks, statistical inference, and microeconomic applications. He has held academic positions including a post-doctoral role at IESE Business School (2014–2016) and a visiting researcher role at the University of Lisbon (2014). His work spans scheduling optimization, network analysis, financial contagion modeling, and energy system planning. Key contributions include specialized algorithms for large-scale optimization problems and frameworks for decentralized portfolio management. He is a member of the LEM research group and teaches courses in optimization, econometrics, and social network analysis at the Grande École and MSc levels. Publications highlight interdisciplinary applications, including network-based diffusion models, multi-market financial strategies, and dynamic choice analysis. His research bridges theoretical advancements in operations research with practical challenges in economics, energy, and transportation systems. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided materials. His advising roles and grants are not detailed here, but his extensive publication record reflects active collaboration within academic and applied domains.
Linda P. Franzoni serves as Professor of Practice and Associate Dean for Student Programs at Duke University, holding dual roles in academic leadership and research. Her research expertise spans: Acoustics of enclosures including rooms and vehicle interiors Underwater acoustics focused on submarine radiation and scattering Structural dynamics and vibration analysis Development of computationally efficient prediction methods for high-frequency sound fields Professor Franzoni's work targets practical Navy applications through novel homogenization techniques using local/global decomposition, significantly reducing computational demands while maintaining accuracy in acoustic modeling of complex submerged structures.
Farhad Rachidi-Haeri is a Titular Professor and Head of the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Group at EPFL. His expertise spans EMC research, lightning electromagnetics, time reversal techniques, and fault location in power systems. He has led the EMC Group since the 1980s, with funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation, European Union, and private sector collaborations. His work involves international partnerships with institutions like the University of Toronto and KTH. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering from EPFL (1991), M.S. from EPFL (1986). Roles: President of Swiss National Committee of URSI (2012–2020), Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on EMC (2013–2015), and member of the Academy of Sciences of Bologna Institute (2019). Research Focus: Lightning interaction with infrastructure, electromagnetic field modeling, time reversal applications for fault detection, and high-frequency transient analysis. His work bridges theoretical physics and engineering, addressing challenges in power systems, lightning protection, and aerospace. Awards: IEEE EMC Technical Achievement Award (2005), Berger Award (2016), and Distinguished Honorary Professor at Tsinghua University (2024). Over 400 peer-reviewed papers and 500 conference contributions reflect his prolific research output. Labs/Teams: Leads the EMC Laboratory at EPFL, focusing on experimental and numerical studies of electromagnetic phenomena. Collaborates with global networks on projects like Laser Lightning Control and structural lightning protection for wind turbines.
Justin A. Weibel is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, affiliated with the School of Mechanical Engineering. He directs the Cooling Technologies Research Center (CTRC), a National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center. His research focuses on advanced electronics cooling, phase-change transport, additive manufacturing for thermal components, and machine-learning-driven design optimization. He has led projects funded by DARPA, ONR, ARPA-E, and industry partners, advancing cooling solutions for high-power electronics and energy systems. Research interests span thermal management, heat transfer, micro/nano-scale engineering, and sustainable energy. Key contributions include topology optimization for heat sinks, two-phase flow modeling, and embedded cooling systems for electric motors. His work integrates computational methods with experimental validation. Grants & Programs: DARPA TGP/ICECool, ONR NEPTUNE, ARPA-E ASCEND/COOLERCHIPS, SRC CHIRP Labs: Cooling Technologies Research Center (CTRC) Future Work: Expanding additive manufacturing applications, improving thermal efficiency in electrified transport, and advancing AI-driven thermal system design. Awards: Fellow of ASME (2023) Outstanding Faculty Mentor (2022) Multiple best paper awards from IEEE ITherm, ASME, and SEMI-THERM conferences
Megan Kerr serves as the Katharine and Claudine Malone '63 Professor of Mathematics at Wellesley College, where she teaches across the mathematics curriculum from calculus to advanced topics in geometry. Her academic home is within the Mathematics & Statistics Department at this prestigious women's liberal arts college. Her educational journey began as an undergraduate at Wellesley College, where she later returned as faculty, completing a full circle in her academic career. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania under the supervision of Wolfgang Ziller, with research focused on Homogeneous Einstein Metrics. Professor Kerr's research centers on global differential geometry, particularly exploring the interplay between curvature constraints and large symmetry groups. She specializes in homogeneous and low-cohomogeneity spaces, investigating fundamental questions about the existence of geometric structures, their rarity or commonality, and potential obstructions. Her work bridges the analytic concept of curvature with the algebraic framework of Lie groups, and she has recently expanded into geometric analysis where topology plays a significant role. Analysis of her publication record reveals a consistent focus on homogeneous Einstein metrics across three decades, with particular attention to curvature properties, symmetry constraints, and classification problems in both positive and negative curvature settings. Her research has evolved from foundational work on symmetric spaces to more complex non-symmetric examples and specialized curvature conditions, demonstrating both depth and breadth in differential geometry. Katharine and Claudine Malone '63 Professor of Mathematics Radcliffe Institute Fellowship As an alumna of Wellesley College, Professor Kerr maintains a strong commitment to encouraging women in mathematics. She teaches a diverse range of courses including calculus, linear algebra, combinatorics, real analysis, non-Euclidean geometry, differential geometry, topology, knot theory, and matrix groups as an introduction to Lie groups. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes developing mathematical understanding and confidence that benefits students regardless of their major. Her research has taken her to international destinations including Australia, Germany, and Mexico, reflecting the global nature of her scholarly collaborations.
Dr. Simon Beaumont is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Durham University , with additional responsibilities as Associate Dean (PGR) in the Faculty of Science. His research program integrates heterogeneous catalysis , nanomaterials , and in situ spectroscopic techniques to develop sustainable chemical processes. BA & MSci Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge (2003-2007) PhD in Heterogeneous Catalysis, University of Cambridge (2010) Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC Berkeley (2010-2012) Research foci include mechanistic studies of catalytic processes, nanoparticle synthesis , and in situ characterization via X-ray absorption (NEXAFS), DRIFTS, and Raman. His work addresses challenges in CO2 hydrogenation , biomass conversion , and environmental remediation , supported by national/EU/industrial funding. Recent publications highlight trends in selective hydrogenation (furfural), multi-functional catalysts (acid-base systems), and nanoparticle stability under reactive conditions. All studies emphasize molecular-level understanding for practical catalyst design. Scientific awards include Leverhulme Trust and Addison Wheeler fellowships. Teaching portfolio spans first-year laboratories , organic chemistry tutorials , and advanced catalysis lectures . Supervision of five research postgraduates and leadership of industry-funded projects further demonstrate his academic impact.
Alfonso Giuseppe Tortorella is a Tenure Track Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Salerno since October 31, 2022. Previously, he held research positions at CMUC (Center of Mathematics of the University of Coimbra), CMUP (Center of Mathematics of the University of Porto), and KU Leuven. He received his PhD in Mathematics from the University of Florence in 2017 under the supervision of Luca Vitagliano and Paolo de Bartolomeis. His educational background includes an MSc in Mathematics from the University of Salerno (2013) with honors, where he completed his thesis titled "Geometric methods of Hamiltonian mechanics" under Luca Vitagliano's guidance. Tortorella's research focuses on Poisson geometry in the broadest sense, with particular emphasis on deformation theory of coisotropic submanifolds in Jacobi manifolds, multiplicative structures on Lie groupoids, and VB-groupoids. His work explores the intersection of differential geometry, mathematical physics, and algebraic structures, developing sophisticated theoretical frameworks to understand geometric structures and their deformations. He has made significant contributions to understanding symplectic foliations, contact dual pairs, and the algebraic structures underlying Jacobi geometry. His most recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a consistent focus on deformation problems in Poisson and related geometries, with particular attention to coisotropic submanifolds in contact geometry, symplectic foliations, and the application of L∞ algebras to geometric deformation problems. His work shows increasing sophistication in handling higher structures and their applications to geometric problems. Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale for Professore Associato in Geometria e Algebra (01/A2 - II Fascia) (May 24, 2021 - May 24, 2030) Qualification aux fonctions de Maître de conférences, section 25 - Mathématiques (December 31, 2018 - December 31, 2022) PhD internship at IM PAN awarded by WCMCS (December 2014) PhD scholarship from INdAM (October 2013) Scholarship from SMI (June 2013) Tortorella has advised multiple PhD, MSc, and BSc students, including Vanessa Oliveira (PhD, University of Porto), Antonio Maglio (PhD, University of Salerno), and Rodrigo de Oliveira Baptista (MSc, University of Porto). He has served on examination committees and as a reviewer for numerous prestigious mathematics journals. His collaborative work extends across international boundaries, with research stays at institutions in Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Poland, France, Germany, and Brazil. He is an active organizer of conferences and workshops, particularly in the field of Poisson geometry, serving on the organizing committees for events like Poisson 2024 and the INdAM Intensive Period on Poisson Geometry & Mathematical Physics.
Prof. Joost Reek is a Professor at the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Science and leads the Homogeneous, Supramolecular and Bio-Inspired Catalysis group within the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences. He serves as scientific director of NIOK (Netherlands Institute for Catalysis Research), a nationwide graduate school coordinating catalysis research across Dutch universities under recognition by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences (KNAW). His research focuses on supramolecular chemistry and catalysis, with expertise in supramolecular cages, homogeneous catalysis, sustainable chemistry, solar fuels, and electrochemical conversions. The group develops novel catalysts for industrial reactions (hydroformylation, hydrogenation), biomass conversion, and solar fuel generation including water oxidation and CO 2 reduction. Recent work explores nanocage systems for bioorthogonal chemistry and photoactive catalytic nanospheres. Reek's team secured a €10.6 million Synergy grant in 2023 for brain cancer research involving nanocages delivering small interfering RNAs. They maintain industry partnerships through NIOK's VIRAN advisory board and operate a spin-off company translating molecular research into applications. The group is embedded within the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, utilizing advanced facilities for molecular design and catalytic testing. Their interdisciplinary approach bridges fundamental supramolecular chemistry with sustainable energy solutions and biomedical innovations.
Morris P. Fiorina is the Wendt Family Professor of Political Science at Stanford University and a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution. He joined Stanford in 1998 after teaching at Caltech and Harvard. His academic credentials include a B.A. from Allegheny College (1968) and a Ph.D. from the University of Rochester (1972), both in Political Science. Fiorina's research focuses on American politics, emphasizing representation, public opinion, elections, and partisan dynamics. His influential works include Retrospective Voting in American National Elections , Culture War? The Myth of a Polarized America , and Unstable Majorities . He has authored or edited thirteen books and numerous articles, challenging conventional views on polarization, electoral behavior, and political institutions. He has held editorial roles across a dozen political science journals and chaired the American National Election Studies Board (1986–1990). A distinguished scholar, he is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Academy of Political and Social Sciences, and the National Academy of Sciences. He received Career Achievement Awards from the American Political Science Association's sections on Elections, Public Opinion, and Voting Behavior, as well as Political Organizations and Parties. Key Contributions: Pioneered studies on retrospective voting, party sorting, and the 'myth of polarization.' Public Engagement: Analyzes contemporary issues like divided government, electoral reform, and the role of third parties. Fiorina’s work bridges academia and public discourse, addressing critical challenges in American democracy. His current research continues to explore polarization, representation, and governance in the modern political landscape.
Dr. Carolyn Conner Seepersad is a Woodruff Professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. She leads the Digital Design and Manufacturing research group and previously founded the Center for Additive Manufacturing and Design Innovation at The University of Texas at Austin. Her research focuses on additive manufacturing, materials design, and process innovation. She holds editorial roles, including Editor-in-Chief of the ASME Journal of Mechanical Design, and has received numerous awards for research and teaching. Education: PhD, Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Tech, 2004 MS, Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Tech, 2001 BA, Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, Oxford University, 1998 BS, Mechanical Engineering, West Virginia University, 1996 Her research interests span design for additive manufacturing, simulation-based materials and structures, and metamaterials. She emphasizes manufacturing-aware design and sustainability. Key contributions include lattice structure optimization, negative stiffness composites, and process-aware manufacturing techniques. Her publications reflect advancements in additive manufacturing processes, materials characterization, and design methodologies. Awards include the ASME Design Automation Award and recognition as a University of Texas System Academy of Distinguished Teachers. Seepersad has advised on grants such as the LEAP-HI GOALI project and contributed to initiatives like the Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium. Her work bridges academia and industry, emphasizing practical applications and innovation. Labs/Teams: Leads the Digital Design and Manufacturing group at Georgia Tech, previously directed the UT Austin Additive Manufacturing Center.
