John M. Sullivan

John M. Sullivan is a Professor at Technische Universität Berlin, holding a Chair in the Department of Mathematics. He has held academic positions at institutions including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Minnesota. His research focuses on geometric knot theory, discrete differential geometry, mathematical visualization, constant mean curvature surfaces, and combinatorial geometry. Sullivan has organized numerous conferences and exhibitions of mathematical art, and his work has been featured globally. He has advised multiple PhD students and has received notable awards, including the Inaugural Fellow of the American Mathematical Society (2013) and the Arnold O. Beckman Research Award (1997–1999). His teaching spans differential geometry, topology, and mathematical visualization courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Sullivan has been actively involved in academic leadership, including as Chair of the Berlin Mathematical School (2012–2014).

Education:

• PhD in Mathematics, Princeton University (1986–1990)
• Masters of Advanced Study, University of Cambridge (1985–1986)
• AB in Mathematics, Harvard University (1981–1985)

Research Interests:

• Geometric knot theory and ropelength optimization
• Discrete differential geometry and triangulations
• Mathematical visualization, including art and outreach
• Constant mean curvature surfaces and geometric analysis

Awards & Honors:

• Inaugural Fellow, American Mathematical Society (2013)
• Arnold O. Beckman Research Award, University of Illinois (1997–1999)
• Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship (1989–1990)

Academic Leadership:

• Chair, Berlin Mathematical School (2012–2014)
• Executive Board Member, Berlin Mathematical School (2006–present)
• Co-Chair, Berlin Mathematical School (2010–present)

Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the FG Polyhedral Surfaces and MATHEON research groups at TU Berlin.