David Finston
Professor
Mathematics
David Finston's early years were spent in New York, including Andries Hudde Junior High School and Midwood High School, before leaving for undergraduate work at the University of Rochester. Mathematics was not a particular interest until a course integrating linear algebra and differential equations resonated with him. His early research applied to an algebraic framework for systems of differential equations. After six years at Virginia Commonwealth and one at Wisconsin, he moved to New Mexico State, where he served for 22 years, four as department head. His research became more geometric, he advised five Ph.D. students, and he worked to improve conditions for minority graduate students. Finston retired from NMSU in 2012 to begin his service as chair at Brooklyn College.
Show Scholarly Activities and Professional Accomplishments
Education:
Ph.D., University of California San Diego - 1983 (Mathematics)
Master's, University of Rochester - 1977 (Mathematics)
B.S., University of Rochester - 1976 (Mathematics)
Areas of Expertise:
Affine algebraic geometry investigates objects defined via polynomial equation (e.g., parabolas, hyperbolas and ellipses). But objects can be multidimensional, necessitating conceptual methods. The subject is driven by easily stated problems. For example: If two cylinders can be transformed into congruent objects, is the same true of their bases, i.e., can extra dimensions enable a transformation of distinct objects to congruent ones?
Books and Publications
Finston, D. and A. Dubouloz. "Exotic affine 3-spheres." Journal of Algebraic Geometry. Accepted. (Books and Publications: Forthcoming Publications) 2012
Finston, D. and A. Dubouloz. "Proper Twin Triangular G_{a} Actions Are Translations." Proceedings of the AMS. Accepted.
(Books and Publications: Forthcoming Publications) 2012
Awards, Honors and Fellowships
Ma(thematics)G(ateway)I(nitiative): CUNY grant, to redesign Precalculus mathematics. (Grants and Fellowships) 2013
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