Joseph Rusinko

Joseph Rusinko is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Mathematics & Computer Science at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he has been a faculty member since 2015. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Georgia (2007) and a B.S. in Mathematics and German from Davidson College (2001).

Research Interests: His scholarly work lies at the intersection of mathematics, statistics, and computer science, with a focus on phylogenomics—developing computational tools to reconstruct evolutionary history—and algebraic geometry and statistics, where he studies geometric structures arising from polynomial systems and their applications in machine learning, robotics, and neuroscience. He also enjoys interdisciplinary explorations in areas such as fabric dynamics, brain mapping, bias in AI, and mathematics education.

Publication Trends: His recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on phylogenetic modeling, combinatorial structures in evolutionary biology, algebraic statistics, and pedagogical innovations in undergraduate research. His work frequently involves collaborations with students and appears in journals such as SIAM Journal on Discrete Mathematics, Journal of Theoretical Biology, and PRIMUS.

Teaching and Mentoring: Rusinko is deeply committed to transforming the mathematical classroom into a space for creative inquiry and inclusivity. He mentors numerous undergraduate researchers, many of whom have gone on to Ph.D. programs or careers in tech and education. His teaching includes courses like Calculus, Abstract Algebra, and the seminar Is Computing Biased?

Professional Service: He is actively involved in undergraduate research initiatives and serves as a leader in the HWS STEM Scholars Program. He is a member of professional organizations including the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics and the Society of Systematic Biologists.