I recently completed a PhD in mathematics at UC Davis under the supervision of Eric Babson. I am grateful to have been supported by USDE GAANN and NSF VIGRE fellowships during my graduate studies. For specific information regarding my academic endeavors, please see my curriculum vitae.
Starting January 2012, I will be a Postdoctoral Researcher with the Engström Group at Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland.
My research interests include algebraic and topological combinatorics, graph theory, matroid theory, discrete geometry, and discrete analytic function theory.
The focus of my dissertation is on topological representations of matroids and weak maps. I am especially curious as to whether or not topological methods can be applied to obstruct linear representability (over certain fields) of matroids and I would love to see a matroid bundle theory developed for complex vector bundles.
Additionally, I am interested in algebraic and topological methods in graph theory. I have recently looked at topological upper bounds for the Folkman numbers and the evasiveness conjecture for (properties of) graphs. I am currently collaborating with Alex Engström on applications of Boij-Söderberg theory for studying chordal graphs.
There are also a number of fascinating geometric problems in mathematical biology. Joel Hass and I are using circle packings and discrete analytic function theory for automated shape feature detection in two-dimensional surfaces with applications in protein classification and skeletal evolution.
At UC Davis, I was very involved with Explore Math, a graduate student run program which brings cutting-edge research to the classroom to share with undergraduate and high school students. It consists of three subprograms which run at various times throughout the year - the Math Modeling Experience (Fall), Math Circle (Winter), and ARML (Winter and Spring).
If you'd like to get involved with Explore Math, please contact the current directors at: e x p l o r a t i o n @ m a t h . u c d a v i s . e d u .
You should also check out COSMOS and OEBMC.
In addition to these enrichment programs, I presided over the UC Davis mathematics graduate student body, known as the Galois Group, and recently organized the second annual Davis Math Conference.