Charles Louis Fefferman

Charles Louis Fefferman is the Herbert E. Jones, Jr. '43 University Professor of Mathematics at Princeton University, where he has held a faculty position since 1977. Previously, he served as a full professor at the University of Chicago from 1971 to 1977, becoming the youngest full professor in U.S. history at age 22. His academic journey began at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he earned his undergraduate degree at 17 before completing his PhD at Princeton under Elias Stein at age 20.

Fefferman's research spans mathematical analysis with particular emphasis on harmonic analysis, partial differential equations, and complex analysis. His groundbreaking work on singular integrals, Hardy spaces, and the Bergman kernel revolutionized these fields, leading to his Fields Medal in 1978. More recently, he has made significant contributions to Whitney extension problems, fluid dynamics singularity formation, and mathematical aspects of topological materials.

His publication record shows remarkable consistency over five decades, with recent work (2019-2023) focusing on manifold learning, smooth function interpolation, and quantum systems. These publications demonstrate both theoretical depth and increasing connections to data science applications, maintaining his position at the forefront of mathematical research.

Fefferman's scientific honors form an exceptional constellation of recognition:

• Fields Medal (1978)
• Alan T. Waterman Award (1976, inaugural recipient)
• Salem Prize (1971)
• Bergman Prize (1992)
• Bôcher Memorial Prize (2008)
• Wolf Prize in Mathematics (2017)
• BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award (2021)

As an advisor, Fefferman has mentored numerous doctoral students who have become leaders in their fields, including Matei Machedon, Luis Seco, and Michael Christ. His research group continues to explore fundamental questions in analysis while developing mathematical frameworks for emerging applications in data science and quantum physics. Fefferman remains actively engaged in research, with publications through 2023 demonstrating his continued intellectual vitality and mathematical creativity.