Michael Kapovich

A photo of a smiling middle-aged couple in warm coats by a lake and pine trees.

Letter from the Chair, Spring 2026

  • by Bruno Nachtergaele, Department Chair

In just a few days I will hand the reins of the Department of Mathematics to the experienced hands of my colleague Joel Hass. Joel has served as department chair for 4 years (2010-2014). Through a number of leadership functions on campus he also acquired deep knowledge of all aspects of the university organization. I am very grateful he agreed to step back into the department chair role for 2026-27. 

A diagram illustrating mechanical linkages, by Pasimi. Several black circles and arcs joined together. Intersections and radius are indicated in red and purple.

What Are Mechanical Linkages?

  • by Michael Kapovich

Informally, a mechanical linkage is a system of rigid links (rods or bars) connected by ideal joints and moving in the plane or in the space. This definition suffices for engineering purposes, and one can find it in some form in many engineering books. However, from the mathematical viewpoint, this is not a satisfactory definition.

Subscribe to Michael Kapovich Content