Welcome to the Department of Mathematics at the University of Florida! As the Chair, I am honored to lead a department with a rich history and a long-standing commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement.
In recent years, our department has experienced remarkable growth and dynamic progress. Under the guidance of our previous chairs, including Professor Kevin Knudson, the department has thrived, expanding its faculty and significantly impacting the education of thousands of students across campus. The department is home to over 60 faculty members and 80 graduate students dedicated to advancing mathematical knowledge and education. Each semester, we have the privilege of teaching thousands of undergraduate students, significantly impacting their academic journeys across various disciplines at UF.
Our faculty are leaders in a wide array of research areas, including algebra, analysis, biomathematics, combinatorics, differential equations, logic and set theory, number theory, numerical analysis, and geometry, topology, and dynamical systems. Our research is supported by prestigious grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Army Research Office, the National Security Agency, DARPA, and the Simons Foundation. We are proud to have faculty members who are Fellows of the American Mathematical Society (AMS) and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM), University Distinguished Professors, NSF CAREER award recipients, and members of the UF Academy of Distinguished Teaching Scholars.
Innovation in teaching is at the heart of our department. Our instructional faculty constantly develop new methods to enhance student learning and engagement. Projects like the Xronos online homework tool save students substantial costs by eliminating the need for traditional textbooks. Our online courses reach hundreds of students each term, both on campus and globally. Our faculty’s dedication to teaching excellence is regularly recognized with university teaching awards, including the International Educator Awards, which honor outstanding contributions to the internationalization of UF.
Our graduate students, supported by research fellowships and teaching assistantships, excel in their academic pursuits. They contribute significantly to our research output and go on to prestigious positions in academia and industry. Our graduate students are also outstanding teachers, helping undergraduates achieve success in their studies and earning university-wide teaching awards. The Graduate Mathematics Association plays a crucial role in fostering a supportive and engaging environment through social and academic events.
Our undergraduate students are equally impressive, with many pursuing advanced degrees at top graduate programs or embarking on successful careers in diverse fields. They participate in research projects, competitive examinations like the Putnam Examination, and organize events such as the annual Integration Bee through the University Math Society. Our students have achieved recognition in various mathematical modeling contests, such as the COMAP Mathematical Contest in Modeling and the SIMIODE Challenge Using Differential Equations Modeling, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and creativity.
In addition to our dedicated faculty and students, the department’s success is supported by our exceptional staff, who work tirelessly to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of our department. We are also deeply grateful to our donors for their generous support, which plays a crucial role in promoting the growth and success of our students and faculty. Furthermore, we take pride in our outreach activities, including the weekly Math Circle and the annual Math Festival, which engage young students and the broader community in the joy of mathematical discovery.
In summary, the Department of Mathematics at UF is a vibrant, thriving, and dynamic community committed to excellence in all its endeavors. I invite you to explore our department and discover the incredible opportunities we offer.
Libin Rong
Professor and Chair