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oSTEM Recognizes Will Davis for Excellence in Inclusive Teaching

June 28, 2024

oSTEM Recognizes Will Davis for Excellence in Inclusive Teaching

oSTEM Recognizes Will Davis for Excellence in Inclusive Teaching

We are thrilled to announce that graduate student Will Davis has been honored with the DEI Inclusive Teaching Award by the Out in STEM (oSTEM) student organization. This award is presented annually to one faculty member and one teaching assistant who go above and beyond to create a safe and celebratory space for diversity in the classroom.

oSTEM is dedicated to empowering LGBTQ individuals in STEM fields, fostering success on personal, academic, and professional levels. The organization achieves this by cultivating environments and communities that encourage innovation, leadership, and advocacy. Through various social events, oSTEM connects queer STEM students and collaborates with STEM Pride graduate students to offer one-on-one mentorship opportunities.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Will Davis for this well-deserved recognition; his commitment to inclusive teaching is an inspiration.

Congratulations, Will!

UNC Establishes Michael E. Taylor Distinguished Professorship

June 28, 2024

UNC Establishes Michael E. Taylor Distinguished Professorship

UNC Establishes Michael E. Taylor Distinguished Professorship

The Department is proud to announce that the University has established the Michael E. Taylor Distinguished Professorship. This new professorship honors the remarkable contributions of Professor Michael E. Taylor, William R. Kenan Professor of Mathematics (emeritus) and elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, who has significantly advanced the field of Partial Differential Equations and related areas. Congratulations Michael!

The Michael E. Taylor Distinguished Professorship is conferred upon faculty members outside of the Department of Mathematics. Recipients of the Distinguished Professorship are recognized for their excellence in research, creative activity, and undergraduate education within their respective disciplines, reflecting the values and dedication exemplified by Professor Taylor throughout his career.

We are delighted to announce that the inaugural Michael E. Taylor Distinguished Professor is Professor Graeme Robertson from the Department of Political Science. Professor Robertson is celebrated for his outstanding research in the field of political science, and his work has garnered international acclaim. His commitment to undergraduate education and his innovative teaching methods have made a significant impact on the academic community at UNC. For a full list of recently appointed distinguished professors, check out the link here.

Congratulations Professor Robertson on this prestigious appointment and in celebrating the legacy of Professor Michael E. Taylor, whose name will continue to inspire excellence and dedication across disciplines at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Abel Abraham’s Research Journey at UNC

June 28, 2024

Abel Abraham’s Research Journey at UNC

Abel Abraham's Research Journey at UNC

Graduating double major Abel Abraham was recently featured in UNC Endeavors for his remarkable accomplishments at UNC; see the full article here. Starting in 2020, Abraham engaged in hands-on research at the Physical Mathematics Laboratory (PML) under the guidance of Professor Pedro Sáenz. The PML uses theory, simulations, and experiments to uncover new phenomena relevant to physics and engineering.

Originally inspired by his pediatrician mother to become a surgeon, Abraham’s meticulous nature found a new direction in the PML. There, he studied “walkers,” self-propelling droplets on a vibrating liquid surface that exhibit both particle and wave behaviors. His research revealed that these walkers could mimic Anderson localization, a quantum phenomenon where waves maintain energy in a repetitive pattern despite disruptions. This discovery, previously thought impossible with visible particles, has significant implications for both theoretical physics and practical applications like controlling oil spill diffusion.

Beyond his academic achievements, Abraham has been a pillar of collaboration and innovation within the PML. His work culminated in a paper under revision and presentations at professional conferences, rare accomplishments for an undergraduate. Recognized with the 2024 Archibald Henderson Mathematics Medal, Abraham will further his studies as a Fulbright scholar in Bangalore before pursuing graduate research at MIT.

Congratulations, Abel, and good luck in your future endeavors!

Reflections on Prof. Chris Jones’ Mentorship

June 1, 2024

Reflections on Prof. Chris Jones’ Mentorship

Reflections on Prof. Chris Jones' Mentorship

We are proud to announce that Emeritus Professor Chris Jones has been featured in the latest edition of the Notices of the AMS. The spotlight fell on Professor Jones in the Early Career section, where his former students Jonathan Rubin, Amitabha Bose, and others shared profound insights in mentoring students, gleaned under his tutelage.

Key takeaways from their reflections include:

  • Maintaining clear standards and aims: Professor Jones instilled in his students the importance of upholding high mathematical standards and setting clear aims. This entailed pursuing results that are not only mathematically interesting but also offer fresh perspectives on intriguing phenomena, all communicated with clarity and elegance.
  • Tailoring guidance to individual students: With a commitment to individualized attention, Professor Jones guided each student along a path tailored to their strengths and aspirations. This personalized approach ensured that every student could flourish under his mentorship.
  • Balancing complexity and relevance: Recognizing the delicate interplay between theoretical intricacy and practical applicability in applied mathematics, Professor Jones emphasized the significance of striking a balance. His teachings underscored the necessity of addressing mathematical challenges essential to real-world problems without sacrificing depth or clarity.

The full article can be found here.

In his own poignant words, Professor Jones encapsulated the collaborative nature of mathematics, stating, “Mathematics is a social activity.” We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Jones for this well-deserved recognition, and we are profoundly grateful for his enduring contributions to our department and applied mathematics.

Paul Hamrick Triumphs in Carolina Integration Bee

May 16, 2024

Paul Hamrick Triumphs in Carolina Integration Bee

Paul Hamrick Triumphs in Carolina Integration Bee

On April 22nd, eight UNC students showcased their mathematical prowess in the third edition of the Carolina Integration Bee, an event organized by the Carolina Math Club. These students earned their spots in the competition through a rigorous qualifying round, emerging from a large pool of participants. The finalists were Aditya Vatsavai, Jayden Brown, Jordan Becker, Marvin Koonce, Paul Hamrick, Rob Sternquist, Suryadyuti Baral, and Vasishta Tumuluri.

During the Bee, competitors faced off in head-to-head matches, solving complex integrals in under three minutes. The competition was fierce, but ultimately, Aditya, Marvin, and Paul advanced to the final round. After an intense series of problems, Paul Hamrick triumphed, solving the final integral to be crowned the Tar Heel Grand Integrator and winning the coveted Pi plushie.

The Carolina Math Club extends heartfelt congratulations to Paul and all the participants. Special thanks go to club officers Unai Cuerdo Agirre, Madeline Edge, and Alex Paschal for their efforts in devising the integrals and solutions that made the event possible.

From Classroom to Game Show: Marko Saric’s Journey to “Jeopardy!” Victory

May 14, 2024

From Classroom to Game Show: Marko Saric’s Journey to “Jeopardy!” Victory

From Classroom to Game Show: Marko Saric's Journey to

We’re thrilled to announce that UNC alumnus Marko Saric has achieved an impressive feat, securing victory in two exhilarating games of “Jeopardy!” and walking away with a remarkable prize tally of over $26,000. Marko, who graduated from UNC with a Masters in mathematics in 2021, currently shares his passion for the subject as a dedicated educator at Elon University.

In a recent interview conducted by the Daily Tar Heel, Marko shared highlights from his exhilarating experience on the iconic game show. Dive into the conversation here.

The Department extends our heartfelt congratulations to Marko on this remarkable achievement!

Celebrating Excellence: Rose and Tatham Receive Prestigious CMS Award

May 10, 2024

Celebrating Excellence: Rose and Tatham Receive Prestigious CMS Award

Celebrating Excellence: Rose and Tatham Receive Prestigious CMS Award

The Canadian Mathematical Society (CMS) recently announced the distinguished recognition of our very own Professor Dave Rose and Dr. Logan Tatham. They have been jointly awarded the esteemed 2024 CMS G. de B. Robinson Award, alongside Dr. Michiya Mori from The University of Tokyo and Dr. Peter Šemrl from the University of Ljubljana.

The CMS G. de B. Robinson Award recognize outstanding contributions to mathematical research, particularly for exemplary publications in the Canadian Journal of Mathematics (CJM) and the Canadian Mathematical Bulletin (CMB). Professor Rose and Dr. Tatham are being honored for their groundbreaking paper, titled “On webs in quantum type C,” which was published in the Canadian Journal of Mathematics (Volume 74: Issue 3, 2022, pages 793–832). Check out the CMS’s full press release here.

The Department extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dave and Logan for this well-deserved recognition!

Equations and Eclairs: A Day of Delight at the 2024 Spring Picnic

April 30, 2024

Equations and Eclairs: A Day of Delight at the 2024 Spring Picnic

Equations and Eclairs: A Day of Delight at the 2024 Spring Picnic

On the radiant afternoon of April 28th, the vibrant spirit of the UNC Math Department came alive at the annual Spring Picnic. Against a backdrop of serene sun and dappled shade, faculty, staff, and students alike gathered for fun and fellowship.

Chair Jason Metcalfe (center) giving out the 2024 Goodman-Petersen Teaching Awards to faculty members Casey Rodriguez (socks) and Mark McCombs (pants).

 

Amidst an array of delectable delights including deviled eggs, assorted cheeses, luscious fruits, crisp salads, savory pastas, succulent sausages, hearty potatoes, tantalizing Banh mi sandwiches, irresistible cookies, decadent strawberry pretzel desserts, heavenly pies, cakes, and delicate éclairs, laughter and conversation flowed freely.

Heartfelt gratitude is extended to the hardworking organizers whose dedication made this memorable event possible. Special appreciation goes to graduate students Will Davis, Maddie Brown, and Nolan Michniewicz for their exemplary leadership. We also extend our sincere thanks to Laurie Straube and Anne Van Elsue for their invaluable contributions.

 

 

Mark McCombs and Casey Rodriguez Honored with 2024 Goodman-Petersen Award

April 14, 2024

Mark McCombs and Casey Rodriguez Honored with 2024 Goodman-Petersen Award

Mark McCombs and Casey Rodriguez Honored with 2024 Goodman-Petersen Award

We are thrilled to announce that Professors Mark McCombs and Casey Rodriguez have been honored as corecipients of the 2024 Goodman-Petersen Award.

Established through the generous support of UNC Mathematics Alumni Jennifer Johnson and Janos Kollar, the Goodman-Petersen Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Education serve as a testament to the commitment of our department to fostering excellence in teaching. Presented annually, these awards recognize faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and innovation in the instruction of mathematics at the undergraduate level. Named in honor of two esteemed Emeritus Faculty members, Professors Sue Goodman and Karl Petersen, who exemplified unparalleled devotion to undergraduate education throughout their esteemed careers, these awards hold special significance within our department.

Mark McCombs and Casey Rodriguez have not only upheld the esteemed legacies of Professors Goodman and Petersen but have also significantly enriched the educational experience of our undergraduate students through their passion, expertise, and dedication. Their exemplary work over the past two years has left an indelible mark on the mathematics department, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to both Mark and Casey on this well-deserved recognition.

Congratulations, Mark and Casey!

Celebrating Excellence: Graduate Students Honored at Annual Recognition Event

April 13, 2024

Celebrating Excellence: Graduate Students Honored at Annual Recognition Event

Celebrating Excellence: Graduate Students Honored at Annual Recognition Event

Several of the Department’s graduate students are being honored at this year’s Annual Graduate Student Recognition Celebration.

We echo Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts sentiments that “Our University benefits immeasurably from our graduate students-they guide our undergraduates, work alongside our world-class faculty and dedicated staff, and contribute to lifechanging research. And they do so while balancing professional and personal demands. Thank you, graduate students, on behalf of the University, for all the ways that you serve the Carolina community and inspire others toward excellence.”

Department graduate students being honored include:

  • Kirsten Giesbrecht, for her performance in the Three Minute Thesis Competition,
  • Madelyne Brown, for being awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship,
  • Olivia Chandrasekhar, for being awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship,
  • Kirsten Giesbrecht, for being awarded an American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship,
  • Kaitlyn Hohmeier, for being awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship,
  • Karen Medlin, for being awarded a Department of Energy Graduate Research Fellowship from the Department of Energy Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program,
  • David Passey, for being awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.

For more on Annual Graduate Student Recognition Celebration, see the full announcement. Congratulations everyone!