Brian Spencer

Brian Spencer is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University at Buffalo. His research focuses on the applied mathematics of materials science, combining physics-based models with analytical and numerical methods to study growth processes, instabilities, and microstructure formation in materials. He holds a PhD from Northwestern University.

His research interests span:

• Crystal growth mechanisms and anisotropy effects
• Elastic stress analysis in solid films
• Morphological instabilities in epitaxial growth
• Nanowire and quantum dot shape transitions
• Computational methods for free boundary problems

Recent work explores corner wetting phenomena in vapor-liquid-solid nanowire growth and elastic stress influences on equilibrium corner angles. His 2024 paper on hexagonal substrate drop shapes highlights advancements in understanding faceting dynamics.

Current teaching includes MTH 306 (Differential Equations), MTH 412/512 (Statistical Inference), and MTH 446/546 (Stochastic Processes). Office hours are Mon 2:30-4:30 and Tue/Thu around class times.

His research lab focuses on interdisciplinary materials modeling, with ongoing interests in strain-engineered materials and numerical methods for solid-state phenomena.