Jean-Luc Thiffeault

Jean-Luc Thiffeault is Professor and Chair of the Department of Mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, leading research in applied mathematics with emphasis on topological methods and fluid dynamics.

His core research spans:

• Topological dynamics and chaos in fluid mixing systems
• Biogenic mixing through swimming microorganisms and hagfish slime modeling
• Nonuniform mixing phenomena in complex flows
• Mathematical applications in unconventional contexts (burger flipping, taffy pulling)

Recent work analyzes active particles of arbitrary shape, microswimmer interactions with boundaries, and braids in dynamical systems, demonstrating interdisciplinary connections between pure mathematics and real-world fluid phenomena. His research has been featured in Physics World, Technology Review, Washington Post, and University of Wisconsin News.

Thiffeault actively leads seminar series and workshops globally, including recent presentations at University of Côte d'Azur (2025), Oberwolfach (2023), and SIAM conferences. His outreach includes public lectures on mathematical concepts at schools and science festivals.