David L. Finn

David L. Finn is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, specializing in partial differential equations, differential geometry, and the calculus of variations. His research integrates mathematical physics, geometric modeling, and imaging science, with a unique focus on applying continuum mechanics and material science to model the baking process of cookies and other baked goods.

• Education:
  • PhD, Northeastern University, 1995
  • MS, Northeastern University, 1992
  • BS, Stevens Institute of Technology, 1989

His work explores the interplay between geometry and physics, particularly in modeling how baked goods attain their shapes. He co-leads the Accelerated Math Physics program, an intensive summer course for incoming freshmen, and has mentored multi-year undergraduate research projects on cookie geometry.

Publications and presentations (2006-2012) focus on mathematical modeling of baking processes, leveraging nonlinear differential equations and geometric analysis. Teaching interests include calculus, differential equations, tensor calculus, and Riemannian geometry, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary applications.