Oliver Pechenik

Oliver Pechenik is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Combinatorics & Optimization at the University of Waterloo, with a cross-appointment in Pure Mathematics. His research focuses on algebraic combinatorics, particularly Schubert calculus and K-theory, with contributions to crystal graphs, tableau combinatorics, and cyclic sieving phenomena. He completed his PhD at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, followed by postdoctoral positions at Rutgers University and the University of Michigan.

Education:

• PhD in Mathematics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2016)
• Bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College (2010)

Research Interests: Algebraic Combinatorics, Schubert Calculus, K-Theory, Crystal Graphs, Tableau Algorithms, Cyclic Sieving.

Key Contributions:

• Developed new Littlewood-Richardson rules and crystal structures for Grothendieck polynomials.
• Proved the Cameron-Fon-Der-Flaass conjecture on plane partition periodicity.
• Advanced combinatorial K-theory via genomic tableaux and glide polynomials.
• Contributed to the study of plabic graphs and web bases in representation theory.

Awards & Fellowships:

• Philippe Tondeur Dissertation Prize (2016)
• NSF Research Fellowship (2013–2016)
• Illinois Distinguished Fellowship (2013–2016)

Advising & Grants: Advised over 20 graduate and undergraduate students, with grants from NSERC and the NSF. Active in mentoring and promoting algebraic combinatorics research.

Labs & Collaborations: Collaborates internationally on projects in Schubert calculus, K-theory, and combinatorial dynamics. Hosts the annual Algebraic Combinatorics Virtual Expedition (AlCoVE).