Colin Adams

Colin Adams is the Thomas T. Read Professor of Mathematics at Williams College, holding a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1983). He is renowned for his work in knot theory, hyperbolic geometry, and hyperbolic 3-manifolds, blending rigorous research with mathematical humor.

• Research Interests: Focus on knot theory, hyperbolic geometry, and topological applications, with connections to hyperbolic 3-manifolds.
• Publications: Authored influential books like The Knot Book, Why Knot?, and Introduction to Topology: Pure and Applied, alongside humorous debates and a math novel The Math Museum: A Survival Story.
• Awards:
  • Haimo National Distinguished Teaching Award (1998)
  • MAA Polya Lecturer (1998-2000)
  • Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer (2000-2002)
  • Robert Foster Cherry Teaching Award (2003)
  • Fellow of the American Mathematical Society (2013)
• Additional Roles: Humor columnist for the Mathematical Intelligencer and founding board member of the Association for Mathematical Research (AMR).