Matthias Beck

Matthias Beck is a Professor of Mathematics at San Francisco State University (SFSU), where he has held positions since 2004. He specializes in combinatorics, number theory, and discrete geometry, focusing on lattice-point enumeration in polyhedra and Ehrhart theory. His research has led to influential textbooks such as Computing the Continuous Discretely (2007) and Combinatorial Reciprocity Theorems (2018). Beck has also contributed to education through the Art of Proof textbook and leadership roles like Associate Chair of the Mathematics Department.

Beck's academic journey includes a Ph.D. from Temple University (2000) and postdoctoral fellowships at institutions like MSRI and the Max Planck Institute. His awards include the MAA's Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Award for Distinguished Teaching (2013). He has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students, fostering collaborations in research areas from magic squares to graph colorings.

His work bridges pure and applied mathematics, with applications in music theory, optimization, and combinatorial geometry. Beck actively participates in academic service, including editorial roles at journals like the Electronic Journal of Combinatorics and leadership in initiatives like the National Alliance for Doctoral Studies in Mathematics.