Mathematical Sciences Blog

Author: Andi Schoch

Book Publication – Jiguang Sun

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The Department of Mathematical Sciences is pleased to share the recent publication by Jinguang Sun, Endowed Professor of Mathematics. Dr. Sun, along with co-author Aihui Zhou, published the 2nd Edition of “Finite Element Methods for Eignevalue Problems” on May 10, 2026 through CRC Press.

“Finite Element Methods for Eigenvalue Problems” covers finite element methods for several typical eigenvalues that arise from science and engineering. Both theory and implementation are covered in depth at the graduate level. The background for typical eigenvalue problems is included along with functional analysis tools, finite element discretization methods, convergence analysis, techniques for matrix evaluation problems, and computer implementation. The book also presents new methods, such as the discontinuous Galerkin method, and new problems, such as the transmission eigenvalue problem.

A big congratulations to Dr. Sun!

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Dr. William Keith Recognized with Springer Nature Editorial Award

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Dr. William Keith

Dr. William Keith

Congratulations to Associate Professor William Keith in the Department of Mathematical Sciences on receiving the 2026 Springer Nature Editor of Distinction Award (the Editorial Contribution category) for The Ramanujan Journal.

This award recognizes Prof. Keith’s role in “assessing new submissions and rigorously managing the peer review process, safeguarding the scientific accuracy of the published record, and ensuring authors’ work commands the highest level of trust.”

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Keith for this well-deserved distinction.

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Kliakhandler sponsors A Workshop on Applied and Numerical Mathematics

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View of campus from across the Portage Canal with buildings reflecting off the water.

The Department of Mathematical Sciences hosted A Workshop on Applied and Numerical Mathematics, sponsored by generous gifts from Igor Kliakhandler and the Applied Mathematics Department at University of Colorado Boulder. The workshop was held June 8 – 10, 2026 in the U.J. Noblet Forestry Building. Held to celebrate the 80th birthday of renown mathematician, Bengt Fornberg, the workshop brought together leading international experts from across the field of numerical analysis, with a central focus on high-order methods for solving partial differential equations. The workshop was structured with a strong educational emphasis, particularly aimed at graduate students and early-career researchers across STEM disciplines. The mornings were devoted to lectures on modern high-accuracy numerical techniques, while the afternoons featured research talks covering a broad range of topics, including, but not limited to, recent advances in the discretization of differential and integral operators, as well as methods based on rational functions, radial basis functions (RBFs), and finite difference approaches.

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Book Publication – Alexander Labovsky

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The Department of Mathematical Sciences is pleased to share the recent publication by Associate Professor Alexander Labovsky. Alex wrote “Defect Correction Methods for Fluid Flows at High Reynolds Numbers“, which was published July 16, 2025, through Chapman & Hall.

Alex was also celebrated on March 13, 2026 at the Michigan Tech Author’s Reception in the Van Pelt and Opie Library.

“Defect Correction Methods for Fluid Flows at High Reynold’s Numbers” presents the mathematical development of defect correction methods (DCM) in application to fluid flow problems in various settings. It shows several approaches to applying the DCM ideas in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) – from a basic idea of controlling the flow by the means of increased diffusion, to the state-of-the-art family of novel, DCM-based turbulence models.

Congratulations on your accomplishment, Alex!

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Rodica Curtu Named New Mathematical Sciences Chair

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Michigan Tech’s College of Sciences and Arts welcomes Rodica Curtu as the new chair of the Department of Mathematical Sciences, effective July 1. Curtu comes to Michigan Tech from the University of Iowa, where she recently brought the math graduate program into the Internship Network in the Mathematical Sciences and served as faculty senate president.

“As the new chair of mathematical sciences, Professor Curtu leads a department with a strong record of accomplishments in research and teaching,” said LaReesa Wolfenbarger, dean of the College of Sciences and Arts. “I look forward to working with Rodica as she leverages her skills and experience with interdisciplinary and multi-institution research collaborations to lead the department to even greater accomplishments as MTU moves forward as an R1 institution.”

Curtu’s expertise is in mathematical biology and computational neuroscience. She earned her PhD in Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh in 2003 and worked during her informal postdoctoral studies as a visitor exchange scientist with researchers from the Center for Neural Science at New York University.
She said she looks forward to stepping into a leadership role where she can guide the math department toward further growth by developing online courses and expanding existing master’s degree and PhD programs.

Curtu said she’s passionate about student-focused teaching, championing the approach at the University of Iowa, where it was well received by students. Having worked on teams with neuroscientists, biologists, and engineers to apply math to real-world problems, she was drawn to Michigan Tech’s interdisciplinary research opportunities.

“I love working on interdisciplinary teams,” said Curtu. “In order to solve complicated problems we need to talk more with each other and share perspectives from different fields. Michigan Tech is a great place to come for that collaboration.”

“Mathematics is everywhere!” Rodica Curtu, Chair, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Michigan Tech College of Sciences and Arts

As chair, Curtu plans to work with the department, dean’s office, and across the University to facilitate dialogue and help align goals. She describes her approach to leadership as “working at the speed of trust” with the intention to start by listening. Her goals include growing the department’s graduate programs and embracing Michigan Tech’s R1 classification. She looks to support students through more diverse training opportunities, interview preparation, and guidance in pursuing industry and government jobs and internships. Curtu will also encourage interdisciplinary collaboration between mathematical sciences and other departments on campus.

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