John Urschel is a name that resonates in seemingly disparate fields: the rigorous world of mathematics and the demanding arena of professional football. Currently serving as an assistant professor within the esteemed MIT Mathematics Department and a Junior Fellow at the prestigious Harvard Society of Fellows, John Urschel embodies a unique blend of intellectual prowess and athletic discipline. His research delves into the complexities of matrix analysis and numerical analysis, with a particular focus on deriving theoretical results and ensuring practical problem-solving guarantees.
Before his tenure at MIT and Harvard, John Urschel was a member of the Institute for Advanced Study, a testament to his early academic achievements. He earned his PhD in mathematics from MIT in 2021, under the guidance of Michel Goemans. His doctoral thesis, “Graphs, Principal Minors, and Eigenvalue Problems,” not only showcased his profound understanding of complex mathematical concepts but also garnered significant recognition, earning him the SIAM DiPrima Prize. Further solidifying his contributions to the field, John Urschel was also awarded the SIAM Early Career Prize in Linear Algebra.
John Urschel‘s research interests are deeply rooted in matrix analysis and numerical analysis, often drawing inspiration from diverse mathematical domains such as combinatorics, machine learning, probability, and theoretical computer science. In matrix analysis, John Urschel focuses on the intricacies of basis-dependent linear algebra, recognizing the crucial role of structure in practical applications where linear maps often exhibit specific properties like sparsity, symmetry, or non-negativity within a given basis. Spectral graph theory, the study of graphs and networks through the lens of matrix spectral properties, is a particular area of interest for John Urschel.
In numerical analysis, John Urschel is dedicated to developing efficient and accurate approximate solutions to mathematical problems. His expertise extends to numerical linear algebra and solving linear systems (Ax = b) and eigenvalue problems (Ax = λx). His research is significantly focused on matrix factorizations and moment-based algorithms, contributing to advancements in computational mathematics.
Beyond his research, John Urschel is committed to education. He has taught courses like “Introduction to Numerical Methods” and “Introduction to Numerical Analysis” at MIT, and previously taught mathematics courses at Penn State. His dedication extends to outreach programs aimed at fostering mathematical interest and accessibility, particularly among younger students. John Urschel is the Menezes Challenge Lecturer for MathROOTS, a summer program for high school students from underserved communities, and previously served as its academic coordinator. He also chairs the selection committee for the Mathical Book Prize, promoting literature that inspires children to see mathematics in the world around them. Furthermore, John Urschel serves on the board of the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath), contributing to exhibits and programming that highlight the beauty and relevance of mathematics to a broader audience.
John Urschel‘s unique journey, seamlessly transitioning between the gridiron and the lecture hall, exemplifies his exceptional talent and dedication to both intellectual and physical pursuits. His ongoing contributions to mathematics research, education, and outreach solidify his position as a prominent figure in the academic community and beyond.
