Renjie Feng is a Research Fellow in Mathematics and AI at the School of Mathematics and Statistics and the Sydney Mathematical Research Institute , University of Sydney. His work bridges probability theory, statistics, and applications in machine learning, deep learning, and artificial intelligence. His research interests focus on probability theory and its applications to machine learning , random matrix theory , and statistical physics . He investigates extreme value problems, spectral properties of random matrices, and topological features of random fields over Riemannian manifolds. Recent publications highlight trends in random matrix theory (GUE, GOE, GSE), extreme gap problems , determinantal point processes , and Wiener chaos . Collaborative works with F. Götze, D. Yao, and R. Adler emphasize U-statistics , multivariate linear statistics , and random topology inspired by Poisson point process studies.
Andrew Childs is a Professor at the University of Maryland, affiliated with the Department of Computer Science and the Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS). He serves as Director of the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation (RQS) and is a Fellow at the Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science (QuICS). His research focuses on quantum algorithms for simulating physical systems, algebraic problems, and quantum walk protocols, with applications in quantum computing and computational complexity. University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS) Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science (QuICS) NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation Childs' research spans quantum simulation, quantum Fourier transform, phase estimation, and Hamiltonian dynamics. He has developed techniques to reduce quantum computational resources for simulating quantum systems and explored limitations of quantum computers through hidden subgroup problems and non-unitary dynamics. His publications cover diverse areas including quantum walk optimization, Hamiltonian simulation methods, and applications to cryptography and condensed matter physics. Recent works address spatial search algorithms, product formulas for commutators, and quantum routing protocols. As an educator, Childs has taught courses on quantum algorithms and information processing at both the University of Maryland and University of Waterloo, with lecture notes and materials spanning multiple years. Contact: amchilds@umd.edu | Office: ATL 3359 | Affiliated with University of Maryland's quantum research institutes.
Hrvoje Jasak is a Professor of Continuum Physics at the Department of Physics (Cavendish Laboratory), University of Cambridge. He holds a fellowship at Christ’s College. His academic journey includes a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Zagreb (1992) and a PhD in CFD from Imperial College London (1996). Prior to academia, he held engineering roles at CD-adapco (now Siemens PLM), Nabla Ltd, and Ansys-Fluent Inc., contributing to CFD software development. His research focuses on numerical simulation methods, continuum physics, multiphase flows, naval hydrodynamics, and software development. He co-created OpenFOAM, chairs its Numerics Technical Committee, and leads the Computational Continuum Mechanics (CCM) research group within the Laboratory for Scientific Computing. His work integrates advanced numerical techniques like the partially rotating grid method, finite volume algorithms, and multiphysics coupling frameworks. Jasak is a seasoned developer with 25+ years of C++ expertise, having authored ~1 million lines of code. His group’s projects include the Naval Hydro Pack , fluid-structure interaction solvers, and the Eulerian multi-fluid model for dense sprays. He actively collaborates on international initiatives like the NUMAP-FOAM Summer School and the OpenFOAM community. His teaching spans MPhil programs, PhD supervision, and specialized CFD courses. Current research explores wave-ice interaction, lubricated contact modeling, and open-source software innovation. The CCM group’s work bridges academia and industry, addressing challenges in marine engineering, energy systems, and computational mechanics.
Nori Franco serves as Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Michigan and Chief Scientist at RIKEN's Theoretical Quantum Physics Laboratory in Japan. His dual appointments reflect his significant contributions to both American and Japanese academic communities, with continuous service at Michigan since 1990 and at RIKEN since 2002. His research spans quantum information, condensed matter physics, and quantum optics, with particular focus on light-matter interactions, superconducting qubits, optomechanics, and quantum open systems. Franco's work bridges theoretical foundations with experimental implementations, especially in circuit quantum electrodynamics and quantum computing applications. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on non-Hermitian quantum systems, quantum control techniques, and applications of quantum information science to fundamental physics problems. His research group consistently produces highly cited work, with publications appearing in top journals across quantum physics and condensed matter disciplines. Scientific Awards: Charles Hard Townes Medal (2024) - sole recipient for fundamental contributions to quantum optics and quantum information processing Research Doctorate Honoris Causa from University of Messina (2024) Highly Cited Researcher for eight consecutive years (2017-2024) Member of Academia Europaea (2023) Willis E. Lamb Medal (2023) for quantum electronics research Throughout his career, Franco has secured significant research funding and mentored numerous students and postdoctoral researchers. His work has received international recognition through invitations to deliver prestigious lectures including the Stanislav Ulam Lecture and Sir Nevill Mott Lecture in 2024. His research group maintains strong collaborations across multiple continents, reflecting his global impact on quantum physics. At RIKEN, Franco leads the Quantum Information Physics Theory Research Team within the Quantum Computing Center, directing cutting-edge theoretical work that complements experimental efforts in quantum computing hardware development.
Thomas M. Antonsen Jr. is a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland, holding joint appointments in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Physics. He is affiliated with the Institute for Research in Electronics & Applied Physics (IREAP), Maryland Energy Innovation Institute, and the Institute of Physical Science and Technology. His research focuses on plasma physics, nonlinear dynamics, and high-power coherent radiation sources. Antonsen earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Cornell University (1973–1977) and has held visiting positions at institutions such as the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the École Polytechnique in France. **Education:** B.S., Electrical Engineering, Cornell University, 1973 M.S., Electrical Engineering, Cornell University, 1976 Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, Cornell University, 1977 **Research Interests:** Antonsen’s work spans magnetically confined plasmas, laser-plasma interactions, and advanced vacuum electronics. He has pioneered adjoint methods for optimizing beam-wave interaction systems and contributed to the development of high-power microwave amplifiers. His recent projects include wave chaos in complex systems and machine learning applications in nonlinear dynamics. **Awards & Honors:** James Clerk Maxwell Award (American Physical Society, 2023) IEEE Marie Sklodowska-Curie Award (2022) University of Maryland Distinguished University Professor (2017) IEEE Fellow (2012) **Teaching & Mentorship:** Antonsen teaches courses such as Physics 132 (Biophysics), Electrodynamics, and Plasma Physics. He mentors graduate students in plasma physics and vacuum electronics through his research groups at IREAP and the Bright Beams Collective. **Labs & Collaborations:** His research is supported by grants from the Department of Energy, NASA, and the Office of Naval Research. Key collaborations include the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the European XFEL facility.
Xu Jinchao is a Professor of Applied Mathematics and Computational Sciences at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the Verne M. Willaman Professor of Mathematics at Penn State University. He has held distinguished roles, including Director of the Center for Computational Mathematics and Applications at Penn State since 1997 and is an Affiliated Faculty member of the College of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State. His research focuses on numerical partial differential equations (PDEs), multigrid methods, machine learning, finite element methods, and domain decomposition methods. He is renowned for pioneering contributions such as the Bramble-Pasciak-Xu (BPX) preconditioner, Hiptmair-Xu (HX) preconditioner, Xu-Zikatanov (XZ) identity, and Morley-Wang-Xu (MWX) element. His work bridges computational mathematics and machine learning, including the development of MgNet, which unifies multigrid methods with convolutional neural networks. Xu has been recognized with numerous awards, including Fellowships from SIAM, AMS, AAAS, and the European Academy of Sciences. Notable accolades include the 2008 DOE Top 10 Breakthroughs for his HX preconditioner and the 1995 Feng Kang Prize for Scientific Computing. He has organized over 100 conferences and serves on editorial boards of top journals such as Mathematics of Computations and Numerische Mathematik . His leadership includes directing research centers and advancing computational science through collaborative efforts.
Ana Maria Alonso Rodriguez is a Full Professor of Numerical Analysis at the Department of Mathematics, University of Trento. She holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (1993) and has held academic positions across Italy and Spain since 1990. Her research focuses on numerical methods for partial differential equations, computational electromagnetism, finite element methods, and domain decomposition techniques. She has organized international workshops and minisymposia, including the 2022 Oberwolfach workshop on Hilbert Complexes and the 2018 ICOSAHOM conference session on high-order methods. Her work bridges numerical analysis, topology, and applied electromagnetism, with recent contributions to Whitney finite elements and discrete potential theory. Education: PhD in Applied Mathematics, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (1988-1993) Licenciatura en Ciencias Matematicas, same institution (1982-1987) Research emphasizes high-order discretizations for electromagnetic problems, leveraging finite element exterior calculus and graph-based decomposition techniques. Recent work (2024) advances tree-cotree methods for curl operator spectra and Whitney form interpolation. She actively collaborates with international institutions like the CI2MA in Chile and the Laboratoire J. A. Dieudonné in France. Teaching includes courses on numerical PDEs, finite elements, computational electromagnetism, and MATLAB-based numerical analysis at both undergraduate and PhD levels. She has supervised numerous courses in Italy and Spain since 2000, integrating practical software tools like FreeFem and MODULEF into instruction.
Piotr Zwiernik is an Associate Professor in the Department of Statistical Sciences at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Arts and Science, with a cross-appointment in the Department of Mathematics. Currently on leave from the University of Toronto, he is based in Barcelona following his return in July 2025. His academic journey includes a PhD in Statistics from the University of Warwick (2011), research positions at prestigious institutions including Mittag Leffler Institute, IPAM, TU Eindhoven, UC Berkeley, and the University of Genoa, and an Assistant Professorship at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona (2016-2021). His research spans the intersection of statistics, mathematics, and computational methods, with particular emphasis on graphical models, covariance matrix estimation, convex analysis, tensors, and algebraic and combinatorial methods in statistics. Zwiernik's work demonstrates a consistent focus on high-dimensional statistics, mathematical statistics, and elegant theoretical frameworks that bridge abstract mathematics with practical statistical applications. His recent publications reveal a deepening exploration of tensor analysis, algebraic statistics, and the geometric properties of statistical models. Zwiernik serves as an associate editor for leading journals including Biometrika, Scandinavian Journal of Statistics, and Algebraic Statistics. His research program includes the development of the GOLAZO R package for asymmetric regularization of log-likelihood in Gaussian graphical models. As an academic leader, he has served as Associate Chair for Research in his department and actively participates in numerous international conferences and workshops, reflecting his significant standing in the statistical community. His recent publications show a strong trend toward algebraic and geometric approaches to statistical problems, with increasing focus on tensor methods, positivity constraints in statistical models, and the theoretical foundations of graphical models. The work demonstrates remarkable continuity in exploring the mathematical structures underlying statistical models while adapting to emerging challenges in high-dimensional data analysis. Zwiernik is committed to mathematical accessibility and education, guided by Federico Ardila's four axioms which emphasize equitable distribution of mathematical potential, joyful mathematical experiences, mathematics as a malleable tool, and treating every student with dignity and respect. He actively seeks PhD students with strong mathematical backgrounds for research at UPF or the Institute of Mathematics of UPC.
Cameron Musco is an Assistant Professor in the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is affiliated with the Theory Group and conducts research at the intersection of theoretical computer science, numerical linear algebra, and machine learning. His work focuses on randomized algorithms, streaming, and distributed computation, with applications in data science. Education: PhD in Computer Science, MIT (2019) BS in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, Yale University Research Interests: Musco's research emphasizes algorithm design for large-scale data analysis, including fast randomized methods for linear algebraic problems. He explores topics such as low-memory computation, matrix approximations, and graph algorithms, driven by applications in machine learning and distributed systems. Publications: His recent work spans advancements in hierarchical matrix approximation, graph-based nearest neighbor search, and fair resource allocation, reflecting expertise in both theoretical foundations and practical algorithmic innovation. Awards: He has received an NSF Career Award, Google Research Scholar Award, and recognition for anti-racism leadership. He actively reviews for top conferences in theoretical computer science and machine learning. Advising & Grants: Musco advises multiple PhD students and has grants from NSF and Google. His lab collaborates on projects like low-rank matrix approximation and causal discovery. Labs/Teams: He is part of the Theoretical Computer Science Group and the Center for Data Science at UMass.
Roummel F. Marcia is a Professor and current Chair of the Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of California, Merced, within the School of Natural Sciences. He received his Ph.D. from UC San Diego under Professor Philip Gill and previously held postdoctoral positions at the San Diego Supercomputer Center and University of Wisconsin-Madison, as well as a research scientist position in electrical engineering at Duke University. His research spans multiple areas in optimization and its applications, with a focus on signal processing, data science, machine learning, linear algebra, and mathematical biology. Dr. Marcia's work has significant interdisciplinary impact, particularly in biomedical imaging, computational biology, and quantum computing applications. His research methodology often combines theoretical optimization approaches with practical applications in data-intensive fields. Dr. Marcia's recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward integrating optimization theory with deep learning architectures, particularly in applications requiring sparse data handling, biomedical imaging, and quantum computing. His work shows increasing focus on developing novel optimization algorithms specifically designed for machine learning contexts, including quasi-Newton methods adapted for deep learning and specialized techniques for handling non-convex optimization problems. School of Natural Sciences Faculty Award for 'Developing or Improving Academic Programs and Tracks' (2021-22) Leadership roles in SIAM Activity Group on Applied Mathematics Education Recognition as a Math Alliance Mentor for supporting underrepresented students Dr. Marcia has successfully mentored numerous doctoral students to completion, with graduates moving to positions at Meta, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and other prestigious institutions. His research has been consistently funded by major agencies including NSF (with grants IIS 1741490, DMS 1840265, DMS 2229495, CCF 2343610), DARPA, and ARPA-E. As the current graduate chair of the Applied Math Graduate Program, he plays a key role in shaping the next generation of mathematical scientists. His work with the SMaRT (Scientific Mathematics Research and Training) team demonstrates his commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary research.
Jose Israel Rodriguez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with additional affiliations in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and the Institute for Foundations of Data Science. He joined UW Madison in Fall 2020 after completing postdoctoral positions at the University of Chicago (with Lek-Heng Lim) and Notre Dame (with Jonathan Hauenstein). Rodriguez earned his PhD in 2014 from UC Berkeley under the supervision of Bernd Sturmfels. His research focuses on applied algebraic geometry and algebraic methods for statistics, with particular interests in nonlinear algebra and nonlinear eigenvalue problems, algebraic statistics and nearest point problems, and applications of monodromy and Galois groups. Rodriguez has made significant contributions to numerical algebraic geometry, particularly in solving polynomial systems, maximum likelihood estimation, and Euclidean distance degree calculations. His work bridges theoretical mathematics with practical computational methods. Rodriguez's recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward developing numerical methods for solving complex algebraic problems with applications in statistics, optimization, and engineering. His research shows increasing sophistication in handling decomposable systems, multiparameter eigenvalue problems, and braid group computations, often implementing these methods in software tools like Macaulay2. His work connects abstract algebraic geometry with concrete computational approaches. NSF Postdoctoral Fellow Provost's Postdoctoral Scholar Rodriguez currently advises PhD students Julia Lindberg (expected graduation May 2022, joint with B. Lesieutre) and Zinan Wang. He has organized numerous seminars and conferences including SIAM_SAGA, Algebra in Statistics and Computation Seminar, and Applied Algebra Seminar. His research has been supported by various grants that enable his work in numerical algebraic geometry and its applications. Rodriguez is actively involved in the algebraic geometry and statistics communities, organizing several seminars and minisymposia at major conferences. He has developed several software tools including implementations for decomposable sparse polynomial systems, multiregeneration, algebraic optimization, Galois groups, and maximum likelihood obstruction functions. His work connects theoretical mathematics with practical computational applications across various domains.
Selma Yildirim is an Associate Instructional Professor at the University of Chicago's Department of Mathematics. Her research primarily focuses on mathematical analysis, partial differential equations, spectral theory, and mathematical physics, with an emphasis on eigenvalue problems. She has taught a wide range of courses including Calculus, Mathematical Methods in Physical Sciences, Linear Algebra, and Numerical Analysis. Her pedagogical approach incorporates blended synchronous teaching formats and educational technology like GeoGebra and Python. Her publications consistently explore eigenvalue estimation techniques for operators such as the fractional Laplacian and Klein-Gordon operators, with applications to quantum mechanics and fluid dynamics. She has also developed educational resources on metacognition and data science.
Nikhil Srivastava is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of California, Berkeley, and a Senior Scientist at the Simons Institute. He received his PhD in Computer Science from Yale University in 2010 under the supervision of Daniel Spielman, following his undergraduate studies at Union College. After postdoctoral positions at the Institute for Advanced Study (Princeton), MSRI, and a research position at Microsoft Research India, he joined UC Berkeley in 2015. His research spans theoretical computer science and mathematics, with particular focus on spectral graph theory, random matrices, the geometry of polynomials, asymptotic convex geometry, and numerical analysis . His work often bridges the gap between pure mathematics and theoretical computer science, developing deep connections between polynomial methods, linear algebra, and combinatorial structures. Srivastava's research has been recognized with several prestigious awards including the SIAM Polya Prize , the NAS Held Prize , and the AMS Foias Prize , highlighting his significant contributions to the field. His most recent work focuses on numerical linear algebra, spectral theory, and computational mathematics, with publications spanning from algorithmic foundations to applications in mathematical physics. He actively mentors graduate students, currently advising Rikhav Shah, Zack Stier, and Isabel Detherage. His past students include Jorge Garza Vargas (co-advised with Dan Voiculescu), Theo McKenzie, Jess Banks, Satyaki Mukherjee, Archit Kulkarni, Nick Ryder, and Aaron Schild (co-advised with Satish Rao). His research has been supported by the NSF and the Sloan Foundation. At Berkeley, Srivastava has been actively involved with the Simons Institute, participating in numerous programs including Complexity and Linear Algebra (Fall 2025), Sublinear Algorithms (Summer 2024), and several others dating back to 2013. He regularly teaches courses in mathematics, including Discrete Mathematics (Math 55) and Multivariable Calculus (Math 53), and runs a seminar on Discrete Analysis in Evans Hall.
Katya Krupchyk is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). Her research focuses on inverse problems, partial differential equations (PDEs), microlocal analysis, and spectral theory. She holds a position in the Analysis and Partial Differential Equations group at UCI. Her work often involves collaborations with leading institutions and researchers globally, addressing challenges in mathematical physics, geometric inverse problems, and nonlinear analysis. Dr. Krupchyk teaches advanced courses in real analysis, functional analysis, and partial differential equations. She has contributed to editorial boards for journals such as Journal of Spectral Theory , SIAM Journal on Mathematical Analysis , and Inverse Problems and Imaging . Her research spans theoretical and applied aspects of inverse problems, including studies on fractional operators, magnetic Schrödinger equations, and anisotropic media. Recent work emphasizes high-frequency analysis, nonlinear perturbations, and reconstruction algorithms for geometric inverse problems.
Dr Nicholas Simm is a Principal Research Fellow in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Sussex, affiliated with the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. He has been funded by the Royal Society since October 2018 as a University Research Fellow. His research focuses on random matrix theory, probability, and mathematical physics, with applications to areas such as quantum physics and statistical mechanics. Key research interests include orthogonal polynomials, eigenvalue statistics, multiplicative chaos, and Painlevé transcendents. His work bridges pure mathematics and applied problems, leveraging tools from probability theory and integrable systems. Notable publications include studies on asymptotics of orthogonal polynomials, fluctuations in eigenvalues of random matrices, and connections to the Riemann zeta function. His recent work explores high-frequency limits in holomorphic multiplicative chaos and large deviations in elliptic random matrices. Dr Simm has secured grants from the Royal Society and Leverhulme Trust for projects on random matrices, log-correlated fields, and mesoscopic statistics. He collaborates widely, with co-authors including leading researchers in probability and mathematical physics.
