Robert B. Ellis

Robert B. Ellis is an Associate Professor of Applied Mathematics at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), serving as Program Director for the Bachelor of Science in Data Science. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of California, San Diego. Ellis specializes in combinatorics, graph theory, adaptive coding theory, and probabilistic methods, with notable contributions to random geometric graphs and liar games. He has held roles like Project NExT Fellow and received awards such as the 2023 Michael J. Graff Award for Innovation in Teaching and IIT IPRO Outstanding Faculty Award.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Mathematics, University of California, San Diego

Research Interests: Focuses on asymptotic analysis of codes, liar games' connections to packing/covering problems, random geometric graphs in wireless networks, probabilistic methods, and algorithm design. His work bridges theoretical mathematics with applications in data science and network systems.

Publications & Grants: Over 20 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Journal of Combinatorics and Algorithmica. Secured grants from NSA Young Investigator and AFRL programs. Advised graduate students on topics like graph partitioning and group testing matrices.

Awards:

• 2023 Michael J. Graff Award for Innovation in Teaching
• IIT IPRO Outstanding Faculty Award (2009)
• Project NExT Fellow (2005-2006)

Teaching: Courses include Calculus II, Discrete Mathematics, and Applied Algebra. Emphasizes innovative pedagogy through Menger Day talks and IPRO interdisciplinary projects.