Alexander Diesl

adiesl@wellesley.edu

(781) 283-3143
Mathematics
B.A., M.A., Johns Hopkins University; Ph.D., University of California (Berkeley)


Alexander J. Diesl
Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Noncommutative ring theorist, sees mathematics as a central part of a well-rounded liberal arts education.


My research concerns a type of abstract algebraic structure known as a ring. A ring is a set of elements (familiar examples include such things as numbers, polynomials, matrices, or functions) endowed with both an addition operation and a multiplication operation. My current research interests involve classification questions and the visualization of algebraic structures.

At Wellesley, I have taught courses at the introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels. I view mathematics very much as a liberal art, and I strive to adhere to this philosophy in every class that I teach. During the summer of 2010, I advised three Wellesley students in a research project concerning zero-divisor graphs of rings.

I am also interested in the future of mathematics education at the secondary level in the United States.

In my spare time, I am often found playing with my kids.


Upcoming Events

 

Monday, Sept 30, SCI 362/364

Laura Bruno is this week's speaker in the student seminar. She'll give a talked entitled School's in Session: The Locker Problem. We'll meet in 362 for lunch around 12:20, then head over to 364 around 12:35 to hear the talk.
 

Thursday, Oct 17, SCI 362/396

Ruth Charney from the Brandeis will give the 12th annual Heard Lecture.  The title of her talk is Robotics and Geometry. We'll meet around 3:45 for some refreshments and socializing before heading to room 396 for the talk at 4:15.  Everyone is welcome to attend!  Afterward the department will hold a banquet dinner in honor of the speakers.  Students who are interested in joining us for the dinner should speak with a professor or with Melanie.

 

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