Find Academic Supervisors

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.

• Mathematical Physics
• Algebraic Geometry
• Noncommutative Geometry
• +3 more

Professor Keshav Dasgupta holds the position of Professor in Physics at McGill University since March 2021. His academic journey includes a MSc from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi and a PhD from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai. Postdoctoral research followed at the Institute for Advanced Study (Princeton, USA) and Stanford University (USA). He transitioned to faculty roles at McGill starting as an Assistant Professor (2005-2010), then Associate Professor (2010-2021), and currently as a full Professor. His research interests span Superstring Theory (focusing on flux compactifications and gauge/gravity dualities), String Cosmology (exploring de Sitter spaces and primordial phenomena), Quantum Field Theories (confinement dynamics in thermal QCD), and Mathematics (non-Kähler manifolds and Lie group applications in string theory). He also investigates Knot Theories within M-theory frameworks. Recent work emphasizes de Sitter vacua in string theory, leveraging Glauber-Sudarshan states and confronting swampland conjectures. His publications address topics like holographic QCD, quantum gravity equations, and non-perturbative string solutions. He teaches advanced courses such as PHYS 562: Electromagnetic Theory (Winter 2023).

• Superstring Theory
• String Cosmology
• Quantum Field Theories
• +3 more

Dr. Gary Scavone is a Professor and Department Chair in the Music department at McGill University's Schulich School of Music. He holds a PhD in Computer-Based Music Theory & Acoustics and MS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, alongside degrees from Syracuse University in Music and Electrical Engineering. His research focuses on music technology, including acoustic modeling, sound synthesis, and instrument design. He directs the Computational Acoustic Modeling Laboratory (CAML), which explores advanced techniques for simulating musical instruments and developing software tools. As a saxophonist, he specializes in contemporary concert music performance. Research interests include physically-based sound synthesis, wind instrument acoustics, and digital waveguide modeling. He has contributed to studies on brass and woodwind impedance measurements, violin soundpost dynamics, and free-reed instrument modeling. His work bridges engineering and artistry, with applications in music pedagogy, instrument design optimization, and virtual acoustic replication. Key contributions include open-source projects for wind instrument modeling and the development of tools for automated timbre assessment. His research often combines experimental methods with computational simulations, addressing challenges in both theoretical and applied music acoustics. Current projects focus on deep learning for friction modeling, impedance measurement systems, and cross-cultural instrument analysis.

• Music Technology
• Musical Acoustics
• Acoustical Signal Processing
• +3 more

Kevin Costello is a Professor and the Krembil William Rowan Hamilton Chair in Theoretical Physics at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. His research focuses on mathematical physics, particularly exploring string theory and quantum field theory through rigorous mathematical frameworks. Key areas include twisted holography, integrable systems, and the AdS/CFT correspondence. He holds prestigious awards such as the Royal Society Fellowship and the Leonard Eisenbud Prize for Mathematics and Physics. Costello’s work bridges advanced mathematical techniques with foundational questions in theoretical physics. His recent contributions include studies on celestial holography, self-dual gauge theories, and factorization algebras. He actively participates in academic seminars and teaches graduate courses on mathematical physics, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding quantum phenomena. Awards: Royal Society Fellow (2018), Berwick Prize (2017), Leonard Eisenbud Prize (2020). Research Themes: Mathematical foundations of string theory, holographic dualities, integrable systems in gauge theories. His publications often explore cutting-edge topics like holographic correspondences in asymptotically flat spacetimes and algebraic structures in quantum field theory. Costello collaborates widely, contributing to both theoretical advancements and pedagogical initiatives in mathematical physics.

• Mathematical Physics
• Quantum Field Theory
• String Theory
• +3 more

Abdellah Sebbar is a Full Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Ottawa. He holds a PhD from Stony Brook University (1993-1997) and prior degrees from Rabat and Strasbourg. His research focuses on number theory, algebraic geometry, and modular forms, with specialties in elliptic curves, moonshine theory, and quantum groups. He has authored over 40 publications, including works on Schwarzian equations and equivariant functions. His career includes roles as CRM-ISM Postdoctoral Fellow (1997-1999), CMS Instructor (1999-2001), and Associate Professor (2004-2013) before attaining his current rank. He advises graduate students and collaborates on projects involving modular subgroups and automorphic forms. Education: 1992: BSc in Pure Mathematics, Rabat 1992-1993: DEA (Master's), Strasbourg 1993-1997: PhD in Mathematics, Stony Brook (Fulbright Scholar) Research Interests: Modular forms and functions Elliptic curves and surfaces Discrete groups and moonshine Quantum groups and mathematical physics Schwarzian differential equations Professional Timeline: 2013–Present: Full Professor, UOttawa 2004–2013: Associate Professor, UOttawa 2001–2004: Assistant Professor, UOttawa His recent work emphasizes applications of Schwarzian equations to modular forms and automorphic differential equations. Collaborative efforts with Hicham Saber and others explore equivariant functions and vector-valued modular forms. He has supervised multiple PhD/MSc students, including co-supervision with Damien Roy.

• Number Theory
• Algebraic Geometry
• Arithmetic Geometry
• +7 more

Mai Ha Vu is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto Mississauga , split between the Department of Language Studies and the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics . Her work bridges theoretical linguistics, computational methods, and biological data modeling. Ph.D. in Linguistics, University of Delaware (2020) M.A. in Linguistics, University of Delaware (2014) B.A. in Psychology and Linguistics, Grinnell College (2013) Research focuses on applying formal language theory to understand human language patterns and train biologically reliable language models . Recent work includes antibody language modeling (Nature Computational Sciences 2022) and syntax-prosody mapping via logical transductions (SIGMORPHON 2022). Key research trends in publications: interdisciplinary applications of computational linguistics to immunology, psycholinguistic modeling of neural language models, and formal syntactic analysis of negation and wh-questions across languages.

• Theoretical Linguistics
• Computational Linguistics
• Mathematical Linguistics
• +6 more

Noriko Yui is a Professor of Mathematics at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. She holds academic affiliations within the Department of Mathematics and Statistics under the Faculty of Arts and Science. Her research bridges number theory, algebraic geometry, and mathematical physics, with a focus on arithmetic geometry and mirror symmetry, particularly in the modularity of Calabi-Yau threefolds. Yui earned her B.S. from Tsuda College (1966) and her Ph.D. in Mathematics from Rutgers University (1974), supervised by Richard Bumby. She has held visiting roles at the Max-Planck-Institute in Bonn and Newnham College, University of Cambridge. Her work includes collaborations with Fernando Q. Gouvêa, notably proving the modularity of rigid Calabi-Yau threefolds over Q. Her research areas span arithmetic geometry, number theory, algebraic/differential geometry, and particle physics theory. Key contributions include studies on L-functions, mirror symmetry, and the applications of Calabi-Yau manifolds in physics. Since 2007, she has served as managing editor of the journal Communications in Number Theory and Physics . Yui co-authored influential works such as Generic Polynomials: Constructive Aspects of the Inverse Galois Problem and edited volumes like Mirror Symmetry V . Her research emphasizes interdisciplinary connections between mathematics and theoretical physics, particularly in string theory contexts.

• Arithmetic Geometry
• Number Theory
• Algebraic Geometry
• +3 more

Dr. Yangjun Chen is a Full Professor in the Department of Applied Computer Science at the University of Winnipeg, Canada. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Kaiserslautern, Germany (1995). His research focuses on database systems, graph algorithms, computational complexity, and theoretical computer science. Key areas include Federated Databases, Deductive Databases, DNA Databases, and the P vs NP problem. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Kaiserslautern, Germany (1995). Research interests span graph query processing, algorithm design, big data optimization, and NP-completeness. Recent work includes polynomial-time solutions for 2-MAXSAT and advancements in string matching algorithms for DNA databases. Publications highlight contributions to graph indexing, efficient reachability queries, and algorithmic efficiency in databases. His work often bridges theoretical foundations with practical database applications. Awards: Excellent Merit Award (2022-2023, 2021-2022) - University of Winnipeg Best Article, ACTA Scientific Computer Sciences (2022) Multiple Best Paper Awards at conferences like DBKDA 2016 and CyberC Summit Teaching includes Advanced Databases, Distributed Database Systems, and Algorithms courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Active in supervising research in database systems and theoretical computer science. Laboratory and team focus on database innovation, including projects on graph databases and efficient query processing techniques.

• Computer Science
• Database Systems
• Graph Databases
• +6 more

Keyvan Hashtrudi-Zaad is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Queen's University, affiliated with the Smith School of Engineering and the Ingenuity Labs Research Institute. His expertise spans robotics and control systems, with a focus on haptics, telerobotics, tele-rehabilitation, autonomous vehicles, and medical robotics. He holds the email addresses keyvan.hashtrudi-zaad@queensu.ca and khz@queensu.ca, and his office is located in Walter Light Hall, Room 427. Research Interests: His research emphasizes human-robot interaction, haptic interfaces, autonomous systems, and mechatronics. Key areas include kinesthetic haptics, collaborative teleoperation systems, energy storage systems for electric vehicles, and medical robotics applications such as needle deflection estimation and rehabilitation robotics. His work bridges theoretical control systems with practical applications in healthcare and autonomous technologies. Publications: His recent work addresses challenges in haptic system stability, energy-efficient inverters for electric vehicles, and teleoperation networks. Notable projects include a cable-driven parallel robot for stroke rehabilitation and a study comparing DC/BLDC actuators for haptic feedback. His research often integrates sensor fusion, nonlinear control, and dynamic modeling to solve real-world problems. Awards and Recognition: While specific awards are not listed, his extensive publication record and leadership in interdisciplinary robotics initiatives highlight his contributions to the field. He is part of the Interactive Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS) Laboratory, advancing innovations in medical robotics and autonomous systems. Grants and Collaborations: His work likely involves collaborations across engineering and medical disciplines, supported by grants focused on robotics, control systems, and healthcare technologies. The IRIS Lab serves as a hub for developing cutting-edge solutions in haptic training systems and assistive robotics.

• Haptics
• Telerobotics
• Tele-rehabilitation
• +5 more

Prof. Mihai Nica is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Guelph, affiliated with the CARE-AI institute and Vector Institute. His research focuses on probability theory, stochastic processes, and their applications to machine learning, particularly deep neural networks (DNNs). He explores scaling limits of DNNs, numerical methods using neural networks, and phase transitions in high-dimensional learning problems. Education: B.Math in Pure & Applied Math with Physics Option, University of Waterloo PhD in Mathematics, Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Toronto (supervised by Jeremy Quastel) Research Interests: His work bridges mathematical theory and practical AI applications, emphasizing topics like the neural tangent kernel, KPZ universality class, and stochastic processes in machine learning. Notable contributions include studies on neural network dynamics, random matrices, and directed polymers. Publications: Over 15 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Communications in Pure and Applied Mathematics and Electronic Journal of Probability , with a focus on theoretical foundations of AI and stochastic systems. Recent work explores infinite-width limits of neural networks and their connections to differential equations. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with CARE-AI (bridging mathematics, engineering, and philosophy) and the Vector Institute, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.

• Deep Neural Networks (DNNs)
• Probability Theory
• Stochastic Processes
• +4 more

James Wright is a Professor in the School for Studies in Art and Culture at Carleton University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. from McGill University and is a distinguished scholar and composer with a focus on music philosophy, aesthetics, film music, 20th-century music, and post-tonal theory. His research and creative work bridge academic and artistic domains, with international recognition for both scholarly publications and musical compositions. Ph.D., McGill University Dr. Wright’s research interests include music philosophy and aesthetics, music perception, film music, 20th-century music history, post-tonal analysis, dance and music, and the history of music theory. His interdisciplinary approach connects music with philosophy, literature, visual art, and cultural studies. He has published extensively on Schoenberg, Wittgenstein, and Canadian composers like Eldon Rathburn, exploring the intersections of music, identity, and modernity. His recent creative and scholarly works span books, edited volumes, and compositions. Notably, his 2022 co-edited volume Monstrosity, Identity, and Music examines music in horror and speculative media, while his 2023 string quartet Ellen at Scattergood received the 2022 Petrichor Prize. His compositions have been performed globally and recorded by ensembles such as the Gryphon Trio and Quatuor Andara. He has also composed choral works, art songs, and pieces inspired by Canadian art and social themes. Governor-General’s Gold Medal, McGill University Lewis Lockwood Award, American Musicological Society 2022 Petrichor Prize for Composition University of Toronto Louis Applebaum Distinguished Visiting Professor in Composition (2019) James Wright has hosted major academic events, including the international conference “Music and Antifascism,” and his works have been featured in CBC Music, Fanfare Magazine, and international performances. He teaches courses in Western music history and mentors emerging musicians. He is also active in community music initiatives, including collaborations with youth choirs and educational programs. Dr. Wright leads creative projects that integrate music with dance, visual art, and social commentary. His work A Gallery of Song was choreographed and performed at the National Gallery and National Arts Centre, reflecting his commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. He continues to compose and publish, with upcoming works such as What Angels See (2025) for cello and piano.

• Music Philosophy
• Music Aesthetics
• Music Perception
• +7 more

Alex Buchel is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Western University, Canada, and an Associate Faculty member at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. His research focuses on quantum gravity, superstring theory, black hole thermodynamics, and holographic approaches to strongly coupled systems. He holds a Ph.D. from Cornell University (1999) and has held postdoctoral positions at UCSB and the University of Michigan. His work bridges theoretical physics with cosmology, exploring topics like de Sitter vacua, gravitational reheating, and holographic quark-gluon plasma dynamics. Education: M.S. (Honors), Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (1994) Ph.D., Cornell University (1999) Research Interests: Superstring theory and quantum gravity Black hole thermodynamics and instabilities Holographic dualities and strongly coupled plasmas Cosmological models and de Sitter vacua Key Contributions: Pioneered studies on holographic transport and plasma dynamics Explored gravitational instability in AdS/CFT Developed frameworks for dynamical fixed points in holography

• Superstring Theory
• Quantum Gravity
• Black Hole Thermodynamics
• +5 more

Kai Salomaa is a Professor and Graduate Chair in the School of Computing at Queen’s University, Canada. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Turku (1989). His research focuses on theoretical computer science, particularly automata theory, formal languages, and their applications. Key areas include descriptional complexity, cellular automata, and quantum computing innovations. Affiliations: Queen’s University, School of Computing. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Turku (1989). Research Interests: Prof. Salomaa explores foundational topics like automata state complexity, nondeterminism measures, and computational models. His work bridges classical theory with modern applications in quantum computing, vehicular networks, and algorithmic resource optimization. Notable contributions include studies on input-driven pushdown automata and the integration of quantum algorithms into practical systems. Publications: His recent work spans quantum-enhanced optimization (e.g., vehicle platooning), fair matching algorithms, and complexity analysis of automata. These studies emphasize innovative solutions for computational challenges in dynamic systems and distributed networks. Grants & Labs: Leads the Formal Languages and Automata Theory Research Group, actively organizing conferences like CIAA and DCFS. His work often addresses practical applications of theoretical computer science in areas like sensor networks and metaverse resource management.

• Theory of Computation
• Automata Theory
• Formal Languages
• +5 more

Dr. Vijay Ganesh is a Professor of Computer Science at Georgia Institute of Technology, where he also serves as Associate Director of the IDEaS Institute and is affiliated with Tech AI. Previously, he held roles as Associate Professor (2018–2023) and Assistant Professor (2012–2018) at the University of Waterloo, and Research Scientist at MIT (2007–2012). He earned his PhD from Stanford University in 2007. His research focuses on SAT/SMT solvers and their applications in AI, software engineering, security, mathematics, and physics. Notable contributions include developing solvers like MapleSAT, Z3str4, and AlphaZ3, and exploring machine learning-augmented reasoning. He has led projects in logic for AI, proof complexity, and security of blockchain technologies. His awards include ACM Impact Paper (2019), ACM Test of Time (2016), and DATE’s Ten-Year Most Influential Paper (2008). He has advised startups like Quantstamp, a blockchain security firm, and co-directed the Waterloo AI Institute (2021–2023). His teaching includes courses on discrete mathematics, software engineering, and AI. Education: PhD in Computer Science, Stanford University (2007); Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Stanford (2000) Research Interests: SAT/SMT solvers, formal methods, automated testing, AI security, combinatorial mathematics Affiliations: Georgia Tech’s School of Computer Science, IDEaS Institute

• SAT/SMT Solvers
• Artificial Intelligence
• Formal Methods
• +5 more

Alex Buchel is a Professor at the University of Western Ontario, affiliated with the Departments of Applied Mathematics and Physics and Astronomy. His research focuses on quantum properties of black holes, string theory applications to cosmology, and holographic methods for understanding strongly coupled systems. He holds an M.S.(Hons) from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and a Ph.D. from Cornell University. His career includes roles as a Research Fellow at the Michigan Center for Theoretical Physics (2002–2003), Assistant Professor (2003–2007), and Associate Professor (2007–2012) at Western University. He has been a Professor since 2012 and an Associate Member at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics since 2003. Key awards include NSERC Discovery Grants (2021–2027) and an Early Researcher Award (2007). Recent work explores gravitational instabilities, holographic plasma dynamics, and cosmological models derived from string theory flux compactifications. His grants support investigations into quantum gravity and holography, while his seminars address topics like transport coefficients in strongly coupled systems and dynamical fixed points in holography.

• Quantum Gravity
• String Theory
• Theoretical Cosmology
• +5 more