Jesse Leo Kass

Dr. Jesse Kass is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at UC Santa Cruz specializing in algebraic geometry. His research focuses on abelian varieties, compactified Jacobians, and arithmetic aspects of curve counting. He maintains strong interest in historical studies of African-Americans in mathematics.

His educational background includes extensive work with the Ross Mathematics Program for high school students. Dr. Kass directs seminars on vector bundles and moduli theory while organizing events like the 2019 commemoration of James Solomon's desegregation legacy.

Current mathematical research explores extensions of the Torelli map to alternative compactifications and quadratically enriched curve counts. His historical scholarship documents pivotal figures in mathematics desegregation including Joseph Corbin and David Hunter.

Advising experience includes doctoral candidates Candace Bethea (2020) and Mohammed Alabbood (2019), with research supported by NSA and Simons Foundation grants. Historical archives curated through the James Solomon Archive document desegregation in mathematics education.