Mathematics’ Jacob Bedrossian Receives National Science Foundation CAREER Award
Jacob Bedrossian, an assistant professor of mathematics with a joint appointment in the Center for Scientific Computation and Mathematical Modeling at the University of Maryland, received a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for his proposal titled “Inviscid Limits and Stability at High Reynolds Numbers.” With the $418,102 award, Bedrossian will use mathematical analysis to better understand mixing and stability in fluid mechanics and related fields.
The mathematical principles governing how hurricanes retain their distinctive vortex shape, how fluids behave as they flow through pipes and how milk mixes into a cup of coffee are intimately connected. Seemingly unrelated systems, such as the shape of galaxies and the way plasma reacts to external stimuli, also require similar mathematical principles to understand their behavior. A consistent theme across these examples is the manner in which mixing has a profound effect on the dynamics and stability of these systems.
The funded research will help lay the foundation for a wider mathematical theory on mixing and stability in fluid mechanics. Involving both pure and applied mathematical aspects, the research will provide an opportunity to train researchers who understand the physical and engineering applications in sophisticated mathematical analysis.
“The CAREER grant is a great opportunity to expand my research program and to provide support for the training of undergraduate and graduate student researchers,” said Bedrossian. “I would like to thank the National Science Foundation for its generous investments in scientific development, and the University of Maryland for providing a great environment for conducting mathematical research.”
In addition to mixing and nonlinear stability in hydrodynamics and plasma physics, Bedrossian has also conducted research on pattern formation in solid mechanics, the mathematics governing the collective motion of microorganisms and scientific computing. In 2015, Bedrossian received a Sloan Research Fellowship based on his independent research accomplishments, creativity and potential to become a leader in his field.
Prior to joining UMD in 2014, Bedrossian was a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow and Cathleen Morawetz Postdoctoral Fellow at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University. He earned his B.S. in mathematics and M.S. in applied mathematics from Case Western Reserve University, and Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of California, Los Angeles.
The CAREER award is the NSF's most prestigious award in support of junior faculty members who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education, and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission of their organizations. The award provides five years of financial support.
Media Relations Contact: Abby Robinson, 301-405-5845, abbyr@umd.edu
Writer: Mary Kearney
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