The Department of Mathematics is committed to stochastic systems and optimization as well as algebraic cryptography as its areas of emphasis.
New methods in mathematics have extensive implications across a wide range of disciplines. Currently there are ongoing seminars in nonlinear systems, stochastic systems, and algebraic cryptography. The graduate student organization, the Stevens Society of Mathematicians, sponsors a series of informal Wednesday afternoon talks as well other activities. Seminars and talks are open to the public; Stevens students are particularly invited to attend.
Research in the Department of Mathematics
Risk and Decision-Making
“It is important to engage students in substantive research. They are interested in what they can do with their studies after they graduate, and seeing the implementation of theoretical research is very appealing.” -Dr. Darinka Dentcheva
Dr. Darinka Dentcheva conducts research associated with stochastic optimization models with stochastic dominance constraints and risk functions. Along with Andrzej Ruszczyski, Rutgers University, she has introduced a new type of optimization models constraining risk, which involve stochastic orders and risk functions. These problems are not only practically relevant—with applications in efficient energy production, economic systems, and medical treatment—but represent a mathematical challenge because they are nonlinear and non-smooth with respect to the decisions and nonlinear in probability. Dr. Dentcheva and Dr. Ruszczyski have jointly organized six Rutgers-Stevens Workshops on Optimization of Stochastic Systems.
Algebra and Cryptology
“Everything in the field of cryptographic mathematics is wide open, presenting challenging and exciting opportunities for researchers such as myself and offering an exceptional chance for students to participate in this groundbreaking field.” - Dr. Alexei Miasnikov
The Algebra and Cryptology Center investigates new techniques from computational algebra and their applications to practical problems in cryptography and cryptanalysis. The center investigates unique applications of mathematical algorithms that may be used to facilitate security in quantum computing systems – an integral blending of both computer science and mathematics in pursuit of a greater goal. Post-quantum cryptography is one of the research themes being investigated by mathematics faculty.
Visit the Algebra and Cryptology Center >
Calculus Learning Platform
Gradarius is a novel learning platform developed by Stevens mathematicians to help students master calculus concepts in an intuitive, step-by-step manner for deeper understanding. We're excited to have introduced this platform into our own courses with great success. Since implementing the Gradarius system, we’ve witnessed an increase in student satisfaction and a dramatic drop (over twenty percentage points) in the percentage of students who receive a D or F or withdraw from a course. Additionally, Gradarius has completely replaced written homework in our calculus sequence.
In light of its successes, the Stevens Calculus System has been featured at the following events and conferences:
Joint Mathematics Meetings, Baltimore, MD
TEDx Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ
29th International Conference on Technology in Collegiate Mathematics (ICTCM), Chicago, IL
Chicago Symposium Series, Excellence in Teaching Mathematics and Science: Research and Practice, Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL
Reimagining Calculus Education, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ
Collaboration for the Advancement of Learning Calculus, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Symposium, Fort Lauderdale, FL
NJEDge Faculty Showcase, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ
Group Theory
World-class research in computational, combinatorial, and geometric group theory. A seminar featuring scholars from around the globe is open to the public.