Alexander Diesl

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.

Education

  • B.A., Johns Hopkins University
  • M.A., Johns Hopkins University
  • Ph.D., University of California-Berkeley

Current and upcoming courses

  • Abstract Algebra

    MATH305

    In this course, students examine the structural similarities between familiar mathematical objects such as number systems, matrix sets, function spaces, general vector spaces, and mod n arithmetic. Topics include groups, rings, fields, homomorphisms, normal subgroups, quotient spaces, isomorphism theorems, divisibility, and factorization. Many concepts generalize number theoretic notions such as Fermat's little theorem and the Euclidean algorithm. Optional subjects include group actions and applications to combinatorics.