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Mathematical Pathways to an Excellent Future 2026

Seventh Richard E. Block Distinguished Lecture in Mathematics

Milen Yakimov, Northeastern University

Automorphism groups, dynamical systems and irreducible representations -- faces of cluster algebras

A central problem in algebra is to describe the symmetries (automorphism groups) of algebraic structures. In dynamical systems, key problems are the descriptions of the phase spaces of dynamical systems (symplectic foliations of Poisson manifolds) and their global behaviour. In representation theory, one of the main problems is to describe the irreducible representations of algebras with large centers (quantum groups at roots of unity and modular representation theory). This talk will be a gentle introduction to cluster algebras, invented by Fomin and Zelevinsky 25 years ago, through the lenses of these problems. Although the problems are quite distant from each other, we will witness that cluster algebras provide strong methods to tackle important instances of all three problems. The talk will be accessible to а general audience and will assume no knowledge beyond linear algebra and the basics of manifolds.

Monday June 8^th, 2026
UCR Alumni Center
Talk 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Reception 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

M.M. Rao Award - Seth Berman

The Math Department proudly announces the 2025-2026 winner of the M.M. Rao Award is Seth Berman.
 

Seth Berman's research interests lie in dynamical systems, mathematical physics, and operator theory, with a particular focus on the continuity of Lyapunov exponents in the Hölder topology. Seth successfully passed his oral qualifying examination and is currently working on three research projects, one of which has already resulted in a manuscript draft. In October 2025, he prepared and delivered a crash course on ergodic theory for graduate students in our department in preparation for the 2025 Victor Shapiro Distinguished Lecture by Amie Wilkinson. Seth has shown strong research potential and active engagement in the department’s academic life. Congratulations, Seth!

Bryce-Mason Award

Bosch Prize

Department of Mathematics & Interdisciplinary Center for Data-driven Modeling in Biology Colloquium

May 13^th, Wednesday, 2026
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Skye Hall 284

Professor Alex Mogilner, Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences and the Department of Biology, New York University, NYC

Deciphering Self-assembly of Mitotic Spindle

Mitotic spindle, a remarkable molecular machine, self-assembles to segregate chromosomes at the onset of cell division. Spindle assembles in phase, one of the earliest and least understood stages of mitosis. We used high-resolution 3D measurements of movements and deformations of chromosomes and spindle in prometaphase coupled with computational modeling to decipher force balances and speed and accuracy of integration of chromosomes into the spindle. I will describe how mathematical models are built from microscopy data and demonstrate that rapid stochastic interactions within the spindle leads to rapid, precise and robust self-assembly of the spindle.

• May 13^th Dr. Mogilner Colloquium poster pdf
• Other exciting news from ICDMB

The Distinguished Burton Jones Lecture 2026 - Kathryn Mann

Dr. Kathryn Mann, Directrice de Recherche au CNRS

Anosov flows on 3-manifolds

Anosov flows are a fascinating class of dynamical systems, generalizing and including geodesic flows on manifolds of negative curvature. These systems exhibit "local chaos but global stability" - individual orbits diverge wildly, but the systems as a whole are stable under perturbation. This stability means there is some hope to classify them by discrete algebraic invariants. Even on 3-dimensional spaces, this is an interesting and challenging problem, and one with deep connections to 3-manifold topology and the related class of pseudo-Anosov flows.

In this talk, I will describe some of the history and motivation for classification, the 3-manifold topology story, and will describe some joint work with Barthelmé, Bowden, Frankel and Fenley (in various combinations) answering one thread of the classification problem for Anosov and pseudo-Anosov flows in dimension 3.

Wednesday, May 6^th
Tea:  3:30-4:00 p.m. in Skye 282
Talk:  4:00-5:00 p.m. in Skye 284
Reception: 5:00-6:00 p.m. in Skye 282 & 284

Full Professor - Amir Moradifam

Amir Moradifam has been promoted to Full Professor, effective July 1^st. Professor Moradifam works in both applied and pure Mathematics, where he is a leader in the study of inverse problems in medical imaging and geometric functional inequalities, including most prominently the sphere covering inequality and its applications. He is also a highly successful instructor of Mathematics and is deeply committed to mentorship of students. Congratulations, Professor Moradifam.

Associate Professor - Jeffrey Meyer

Jeffrey Meyer has been promoted to Associate Professor of Teaching, effective July 1^st. This promotion recognizes Professor Meyer's creative instruction with a special focus on linear algebra, his full throttle commitment to mentoring at all levels, and his scholarly accomplishments in mathematical research. Congratulations, Professor Meyer.

Associate Professor - Patricio Gallardo Candela

In recognition of his important contributions in the field of algebraic geometry, his superlative teaching, and his extensive and deep commitment to mentoring, Patricio Gallardo Candela has been promoted to Associate Professor, effective July 1^st. Congratulations, Professor Gallardo.

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