Thomas Koberda Elected Fellow of the American Mathematical Society
University of Virginia professor of mathematics Thomas Koberda was elected a fellow this month of the American Mathematical Society, one of the field’s highest honors.
Koberda is one of 41 fellows elected this year by the AMS, one of the world’s most respected professional organizations of mathematicians. Supporting the research and the careers of its members, the AMS fellowship program recognizes outstanding professional achievement and service to the field.
“Being named a fellow feels like the mathematical community is acknowledging a new chapter in my career, that I’m recognized as an authority in my field and a respected member of the community. It’s very flattering to me, and a great honor,” said Koberda, who was also awarded a fellowship in mathematics from the Simons Foundation. “I hope I can live up to it.”
A member of the faculty of UVA’s College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences since 2015, Koberda works in the areas of group theory, topology of manifolds, and connections to mathematical logic. His research explores relationships between algebraic structures and geometric spaces, uncovering the hidden patterns and structures that shape our understanding of symmetry of spaces in three dimensions and beyond.
While Koberda’s work is deeply theoretical, it provides foundational knowledge that can drive innovation and technological advancements in cryptography, materials science and robotics. It can provide insights into the behavior of complex systems, which would improve modeling in physics, engineering, medicine and even economics, leading to the ability of researchers and scientists to make better predictions and optimizations.
Koberda also explores mathematical logic and theoretical computer science and what humans can actually know about the world, exploring fundamental assumptions about knowledge and the capacity of mathematics and language to reflect reality.
Outside of the classroom, Koberda is an advisory board member and co-founder of the Fellowship for Pre-Graduate Studies in Mathematics which makes it possible for promising mathematics students in Vietnam to continue their mathematical studies. He is the co-organizer and a mentor in the Vietnam Polymath Research Experience for Undergraduates, which creates opportunities for dialogue and exchange between undergraduates at UVA and in Vietnam.
Earlier this year, UVA awarded Koberda a Shannon Mid-Career Fellowship, part of a new University program to recognize and retain excellent mid-career faculty.
Ken Ono, a world-renowned mathematician and STEM advisor to the provost at UVA, enthusiastically applauded Koberda’s achievement not only for his work in theoretical mathematics but also for his efforts in education and his work with the next generation of mathematicians.
“AMS fellows are distinguished by their extraordinary contributions to science and education,” Ono said. “In Thomas we have a star and a pure mathematician who also leads deeply important outreach initiatives for UVA Mathematics."
