Research

Research Interests

 

I study combinatorics, graph theory and their applications to theoretical computer science. I am particularly interested in the interplay between randomness and strategy. For example, I have looked at controlling random walks, guiding random graph processes, playing games on random structures, and using randomized algorithms.

Online versions of my publications are available here.

Teaching

Courses at Macalester

 

I have taught upper level courses in graph theory, combinatorics, discrete applied math and abstract algebra. And, of course, Calculus and linear algebra.

Please visit Moodle for all current course materials.

MAXIMA Summer REU

Undergraduate Research Experience in Interdisciplinary Mathematics

Macalester co-hosts a Summer Math REU, along with the Institute for Mathematics and its Applications. The projects come from applications in Engineering and Computer Science. In addition to the obvious mathematical reference, the moniker MAXIMA is an amalgam of the names of the hosting institutions: Macalester (or more familiarly, "Mac") and the IMA.

Each summer, twelve undergraduates will work in teams of four on open research problems in applied mathematics. Applications are due in mid-February. See the MAXIMA website for more information.

Background

Education and Professional Experience

 
My CV

PhD, Yale University, 1997
BA, Williams College, 1991

I was Eugene Shelly Visiting Assistant Professor and Richard J. Duffin Visiting Assistant Professor in the ACO group at Carnegie Mellon University.

I spent six years working in Silicon Valley as a software engineer and architect. I worked for companies that developed platforms for supply chain management and financial services. I also worked briefly in clinical informatics.