Maia Fraser

Maia Fraser is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Ottawa. She holds an MSc and PhD from the University of Chicago and a PhD from Stanford University. Her research spans interdisciplinary areas including machine learning, computational neuroscience, and applied mathematics. Notably, she explores the intersection of AI with structural engineering, focusing on automated damage assessment in concrete and neural mechanisms underlying continual learning. Her work also delves into theoretical aspects of contact geometry and reinforcement learning.

Her academic contributions include pioneering methods for damage quantification using digital images, theoretical frameworks for temporal abstractions in neural systems, and algorithmic advancements in decision-making under uncertainty. Fraser’s research often bridges abstract mathematical theory with practical applications, such as optimizing nautical navigation and analyzing fish behavior through spatial learning models.

• Education:
  • MSc in Mathematics, University of Chicago
  • PhD in Mathematics, University of Chicago
  • PhD in Computer Science, Stanford University

Fraser’s recent publications highlight advancements in automated assessment techniques for civil infrastructure, the role of temporal hierarchies in neural organization, and foundational work in reinforcement learning theory. Her interdisciplinary approach reflects a commitment to solving complex problems through collaborative, mathematically rigorous methods.