Chair Update

My name is Andy Heeszel, and I am joining as a Arthur J. Krener Math Fellow. I previously graduated with my PhD in Statistics from Ohio State in May 2026. My primary research interests are in applied probability and interacting particle systems. I have most recently been interested in stochastic epidemic models that do not have the attractiveness property and studying the outbreak size and speed of the outbreak. I also enjoy playing disc golf, watching football, running, and cooking.

Amanda received her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in May 2026, where she was advised by Thomas Lam. She is interested in algebraic combinatorics and connections to knot theory and is currently working on problems related to invariants of plabic links and cluster algebras.

Owen Ekblad received his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Michigan State University in June 2026. He studies mathematical quantum physics, with a particular focus on disordered systems. He was born and raised in Michigan in the Ann Arbor area, and enjoys spending time outdoors on hikes and long walks. 

Colleen Robichaux is interested in algebraic combinatorics. Her work focuses on Schubert calculus and computational complexity. She received her Ph.D. in 2022 from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign under the supervision of Alexander Yong. After receiving her degree, she went on to University of California, Los Angeles where she was a Chancellor's Postdoctoral Fellow and NSF Postdoctoral Fellow.

With deep sorrow we report the news of the passing of Mariel Vazquez on July 5, 2026, at the age of 55. Mariel was an esteemed applied mathematician and an internationally recognized member of the scientific community. She was well known for applying knot theory and topology to DNA and influencing the development of the field of DNA topology. Mariel leaves behind a distinguished academic career and a trail of devoted students and collaborators.

...Заколюченные параллели
Преподали нам славный урок:
Не делить с подонками хлеба,
Перед властью не падать ниц,
И не верить ни в чистое небо,
Ни в улыбки сиятельных лиц....

With scoundrels, never break your bread, 
Before no power bow your head, 
And put no trust in shifting sand, 
Nor in the smiles of high and grand.

by poet Alexander Galich

It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Joshua Sumpter, who obtained his Ph.D. from our Department under the direction of Sasha Soshnikov in 2021.  Josh is remembered by his fellow graduate students for his inquiring mind, and as a conscientious teaching assistant and promising colleague by his professors.  He had gone on to a postdoc at the University of Rochester.  He is survived by his wife, Erica.  

Josh’s memorial service was May 16 at 11 am with a celebration of life to follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Cloverdale, CA.

This year our Department once again took part in Picnic Day at UC Davis, bringing a mix of math, creativity, and hands-on fun to visitors of all ages. Our booth drew a steady crowd throughout the day, with families, students, and curious guests stopping by to explore.