Matthew McMillan

About

After growing up and attending college in Wheaton, IL, I lived in England for three years before moving to Los Angeles for my PhD and from there to Charlottesville.

My math research is about algebraic structures motivated by the search for an interesting 4D topological quantum field theory. More specifically, I work with 2-representations, quantum groups, Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov systems, and Cherednik algebras.

In the past I have developed computational models for stellarators, i.e. nuclear fusion devices with complex geometry.

In addition to research in mathematical physics, I work on a major math pedagogy project I founded called “xTensiv.” (See my personal webpage for more.) I have supervised the work of quite a few UVA students contributing to this project over the past few years. The aim of the project is to create a web-scale library of math learning material in a database that enables graphical navigation of feasible and efficient learning pathways (i.e., it provides mapping and routing solutions). This enables goal-directed and exploratory learning in mathematics. Through xTensiv, I hope to revolutionize the math textbook industry for the internet age.

I also study the history and philosophy of mathematics with a special interest in G. W. Leibniz. More broadly, I am interested in the nature of mathematics viewed as a symbolic and compositional art, and as a medium of meaning.

Education

Ph.D. Mathematics, University of California, Los Angeles, 2023

M.Phil. Philosophy, University of Oxford, 2017

M.A.St. Mathematics & Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, 2015

B.S. Mathematics and Physics, Wheaton College, 2014