Samuel Punshon-Smith

Samuel Punshon-Smith is an Assistant Professor in the Mathematics Department at Tulane University, New Orleans, LA. He also serves as Director of Ph.D Admissions. His research focuses on stochastic models in physical sciences, particularly the long-time behavior and regularity of stochastic PDEs related to fluid mechanics, kinetic theory, and particle systems. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Maryland (2017), and dual B.S. in Mathematics and Physics, along with an M.S. in Applied Mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2010-2011).

Key research interests include stochastic partial differential equations, ergodic theory, fluid turbulence, and chaos. His work explores the chaotic mixing properties of the stochastic Navier-Stokes equations and their impact on passive scalar turbulence.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Mathematics, University of Maryland, 2017
  • M.S., Applied Mathematics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2011
  • B.S. Mathematics and B.S. Physics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2010

He has held positions including Prager Assistant Professor at Brown University (2018-2021) and postdoctoral roles at the Institute for Advanced Study and University of Maryland. Notable awards include the NSF Grant DMS-2205953, James C. Alexander Prize, and Monroe H. Martin Fellowship.

He organizes the Informal Analysis Seminar at Tulane, fostering collaboration among researchers and students in analysis-related fields. His grants and research emphasize stochastic fluid mechanics and nonlinear dynamics.