Harvey Mudd College Mathematician Seeks to Tackle Big Data Challenges

Harvey Mudd College mathematics professor Jamie Haddock has been awarded a $402,235 CAREER grant from the National Science Foundation for a project that aims to develop new computational techniques that help solve large-scale mathematical problems in fields like data science and optimization.

Traditional methods work well when data is small and clean, but modern challenges—like the explosion of massive, complex data sets—require more advanced approaches. The project focuses on creating randomized iterative methods that are not only faster and more efficient but can also handle errors, adapt to real-world constraints and manage extremely large data.

Haddock, Iris and Howard Critchell Assistant Professor of Mathematics, leverages mathematical tools, such as those from probability, combinatorics and convex geometry, to understand data and the models and methods used to analyze it. Her recent areas of focus include randomized numerical linear algebra, combinatorial methods for convex optimization, tensor decomposition for topic modeling, network consensus and ranking problems, and community detection on graphs and hypergraphs. The NSF also has funded her work on tensor models, methods and medicine, which included collaborations with experts beyond mathematics and academia.

This new grant supports Haddock’s desire to be a mentor and increase access in data science for groups that have been historically excluded from research mathematics. In line with Harvey Mudd College’s mission to train future leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, this project will offer students unique opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research. A new advanced course in numerical linear algebra will be developed, featuring hands-on research projects that tackle real-world challenges in data analysis. Course materials and project descriptions will be shared publicly to benefit the broader academic community.

Additionally, this project will provide mentorship opportunities for students at all levels, including visiting graduate students, Harvey Mudd undergraduates, and local high school students through the Upward Bound program, a federally funded initiative that supports students from underserved backgrounds. These efforts aim to inspire and equip the next generation of STEM leaders with the skills and experience needed to face the evolving challenges of our data-driven world.