Image: The Department of Mathematics is extremely proud to recognize and congratulate Assistant Professor Dr. Akram Alishahi on her recent award of the prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER grant, for a total of $550,000 over five years. This award supports her ambitious research program in low-dimensional topology and related algebraic invariants. The topology part is closely connected to the study of knots (loops) in 3-dimensional spaces, but extends this to include the study of more complicated linkages (graphs), and their relationship to 4-dimensional spaces and surfaces inside those spaces. The algebraic invariants involved are related to Heegaard Floer theory and Khovanov homology, two of the most powerful tools developed in topology in the last thirty years; Dr. Alishahi is a world renowned expert at relating these two types of invariants and proving deep topological results using them. Dr. Alishahi's CAREER grant will also fund several innovative outreach activities with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion in mathematics, including running a Math Circle program, a summer research experience project for undergraduates, and a topology summer school for graduate students and postdocs. Read More: Professional Website
