Research Overview
Many people are surprised to learn that there is such a thing as math research. Maybe it is because math research does not get discussed in the news as much as other scientific research, or maybe it is because of the way we teach math in school. Whatever the reason, it is simply not true that math is a "closed book". Everyday, researchers all over the world continue to make new discoveries in mathematics. Most of this research is conducted by professors at colleges and universities, including those here at the College of Charleston.
Even people who have not heard about math research make use of its results. Common modern devices like satelites, high-definition television and computers are only possible because of math research. Moreover, big companies like airlines make use of math research to allow them to appropriately use all of their resources. And scientific advancement also goes hand-in-hand with mathematical advances; such as the way Einstein's theory of relativity made use of recent advances in geometry and modern particle physics depends on an area of algebra called "group theory".
Until recently, the only place you could read current math research was in "journals", periodicals that print research articles in the sciences. You can still find the latest research in journals in the library, but it is now even easier to read new research articles on the Web. Many mathematicians make their research available at the E-print archive which you can browse for free. Each month, hundreds of new articles are posted there.
If you want to know about the math research done here at the College, look at this list of faculty research areas and this up-to-date listing of recent publications by our professors. You can also look at individual professors' home pages where they often describe their research and make their publications available.
If you want even more information about math research, try talking to some of the professors here. They can either answer your questions or refer you to someone else who can.
Even people who have not heard about math research make use of its results. Common modern devices like satelites, high-definition television and computers are only possible because of math research. Moreover, big companies like airlines make use of math research to allow them to appropriately use all of their resources. And scientific advancement also goes hand-in-hand with mathematical advances; such as the way Einstein's theory of relativity made use of recent advances in geometry and modern particle physics depends on an area of algebra called "group theory".
Until recently, the only place you could read current math research was in "journals", periodicals that print research articles in the sciences. You can still find the latest research in journals in the library, but it is now even easier to read new research articles on the Web. Many mathematicians make their research available at the E-print archive which you can browse for free. Each month, hundreds of new articles are posted there.
If you want to know about the math research done here at the College, look at this list of faculty research areas and this up-to-date listing of recent publications by our professors. You can also look at individual professors' home pages where they often describe their research and make their publications available.
If you want even more information about math research, try talking to some of the professors here. They can either answer your questions or refer you to someone else who can.
Mathematics Department Research Quick Links: