Mathematics Research

Research in the mathematical sciences and is an essential part of the Mathematics program at Harvey Mudd. Every Mudd student completes a year-long investigative senior capstone project — either a senior research thesis or a Clinic project. In addition to the senior capstone project, many students do research during the summer.

Summer Research Program

We have a strong track record of supporting students to work on research during the summer, either on campus or through a network of Research for Undergraduate Experience sites. These research experiences help students experience the authentic mathematical problem-solving in a variety of fields, explore how mathematics research might fit into their future career plans, and expand their network of mentors and collaborators.

Overview and General Information

During the beginning of the spring semester, research projects associated with our department will be posted at Undergraduate Research Opportunities.

All mathematics faculty maintain active research programs in a wide range of fields. Here is a brief list of faculty research interests; for more information see individual faculty web pages.

• Prof. Arthur Benjamin: combinatorics and mathematical games
• Prof. Andrew Bernoff: dynamical systems methods that apply to physical and biological phenomena
• Prof. Alfonso Castro: partial differential equations and nonlinear functional analysis
• Prof. Lisette de Pillis: cancer immunology modeling
• Prof. Weiqing Gu: differential geometry and topology, with applications to Big Data analysis, computer-aided design and robotics
• Prof. Jamie Haddock: mathematical data science, optimization, and applied convex geometry
• Prof. Jon Jacobsen: mathematical ecology, dynamical systems, and Polanyi’s theory of personal knowledge
• Prof. Peter Kagey: discrete, experimental, and recreational mathematics
• Prof. Dagan Karp: algebraic geometry and mathematics education
• Prof. Haydee Lindo: commutative algebra, homological algebra, and representation theory
• Prof. Susan Martonosi: applications of operations research to problems in the public sector, including pediatric vaccine pricing, propagation of fake news, and homeland security
• Prof. Michael Orrison: applications of the representation theory of finite groups
• Prof. Francis Su: applications of combinatorics, geometry, and topology to problems in the social sciences
• Prof. Talithia Williams: spatiotemporal statistical models and their applications
• Prof. Darryl Yong ’96: ambitious and equitable mathematics pedagogy, secondary school teacher professional development
• Prof. Heather Zinn-Brooks: analytical and computational techniques to study social and biological phenomena