Faculty Q & A with Paul Allen

Paul Allen, Assistant Professor of Mathematical Sciences

Education
PhD 2007, M.S. 2003 University of Oregon; BS 2001, cum laude, University of Puget Sound

Dissertation
Timelike Minimal Submanifolds in Robertson-Walker Spacetimes

Research and Teaching Interests
Integrated calculus and physics, mathematical methods in the physical and life sciences, non linear PDE, geometric analysis and mathematical relativity

What most excites you about joining the LC community?
Three things: First, I’m excited to be a part of Mathematical Sciences as both the students and faculty there are particularly full of energy and enthusiasm. Second, I am excited about opportunities to work with people from different disciplines - this is one of the great things about a liberal arts institution. Finally, I’m looking forward to teaching again (after a research-only postdoc position) as I get energized by working with students.

What kinds of hobbies/special activities do you enjoy outside of work?
I am a voracious reader, take delight in creating and consuming food, and enjoy human-powered transportation - walking/hiking, bicycling, skiing, paddling, etc.

What were your childhood goals/aspirations?
My childhood goals/aspirations often involved chocolate cake, Legos, or moving dirt. One of the latter type aspirations involved digging a large hole in my backyard. This activity was brought to a halt when I reached a cement pipe too large for me to extract. Later I learned that this pipe helps divert the groundwater from my parents’ basement.

What are you listening to in your car right now?
Currently I do not have a car - but as I’m riding my bike to work, I’ve recently found The Clash playing in my head.

What was your favorite childhood story?
Again, three things: We had a great story in scouts called “The Blue Light”. My father also claims that I was a big fan of the Robin Hood tape while on road trips, though I don’t have any recollection of this myself. Finally, I was recently shopping for a kids book for a friend and came across “Are You My Mother?” which I recall being read to me a lot.

Assistant Professor Allen will arrive on campus Spring 2010.