Catalin Zara

Catalin Zara is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston), serving as Interim Associate Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM). He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His research focuses on differential geometry, equivariant cohomology and K-theory, combinatorial structures, and applications of distance metrics in finite spaces. He has published extensively in top-tier journals such as Advances in Mathematics and Journal of Combinatorics.

Dr. Zara's work bridges pure and applied mathematics, with notable contributions to GKM theory, polynomial assignments, and combinatorial optimization. His recent projects include studies on balance weighing problems, windfarm geometry impacts, and Thue-Morse sequences. Teaching evaluations highlight his engaging style, challenging yet supportive approach, and ability to foster deep conceptual understanding across courses like Calculus, Linear Algebra, and advanced topics in combinatorics.

He maintains an active research program with interdisciplinary applications, including collaborations in environmental science (bird mortality modeling) and computer science (medoid-based clustering). His office is located in Wheatley Hall and he is regularly involved in academic service roles such as department leadership and curriculum development.