Alejandro Aceves

Alejandro Aceves is a Professor at Southern Methodist University specializing in nonlinear wave phenomena and dynamical systems with applications in nonlinear optics, photonics, and climate modeling. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona (1988) and maintains an affiliate position with the Theoretical Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory. His research integrates advanced applied mathematics techniques with numerical simulations to investigate complex physical phenomena across multiple scientific domains.

Professor Aceves' research spans several interconnected fields with nonlinear optics as the central theme. His primary focus involves mathematical modeling of pulse dynamics in nonlinear optical media, including ultraviolet light filament formation in the atmosphere and optical pulse propagation in novel photonic structures. In recent years, he has expanded his research to include climate modeling related to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and epidemiological studies of covid-19 and malaria spread in Africa through collaborations with African scientists. His methodological approach combines rigorous mathematical analysis with computational techniques to address both fundamental theoretical questions and practical applications.

The publication record shows a consistent trajectory of research in nonlinear wave phenomena with increasing interdisciplinary applications. Recent work demonstrates strong connections between fundamental mathematical investigations of nonlinear wave equations and practical implementations in optical technologies, climate science, and epidemiology. The research output reveals a pattern of expanding from core optical phenomena to broader applications while maintaining mathematical rigor.

Professor Aceves has earned significant recognition in his field:

• Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM)
• Fellow of the Optical Society of America (OSA)
• Principal Investigator of an NSF-funded Research Training Group (RTG) program supporting graduate education

As an academic mentor, Professor Aceves supervises PhD students and postdoctoral fellows while maintaining extensive national and international collaborations. His research partnerships include the Air Force Research Laboratory, University of New Mexico's Department of Physics and Astronomy, Nokia Bell Labs, and research teams across Italy, the UK, and France. The NSF RTG program he leads provides structured training for graduate students in applied mathematics with connections to real-world problems.

Professor Aceves' research ecosystem includes strong ties to the Theoretical Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory as an affiliate member. His work frequently involves interdisciplinary teams that bridge mathematics, physics, engineering, and environmental science to tackle complex problems at the intersection of theoretical foundations and practical applications in optics, climate dynamics, and public health.