Contact Info
Office
Crerar 237

I am an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Chicago.

Research

Focus Areas: Complexity Theory

I am broadly interested in discrete mathematics and particularly interested in computational complexity theory. I love thinking about problems in my head and I am most driven when there is something I feel should be true and I am trying to figure out how to prove it. My current research focus is on the sum of squares hierarchy, a hierarchy of semidefinite programs which is one of the most powerful tools known for combinatorial optimization problems.

Research

Theory

The mathematical foundations of computation, including algorithm design, complexity and logic

Labs & Groups

Theoretical Computer Science Group

The Theory group plays a fundamental role in connecting CS with physics, statistics, and other mathematical sciences.

Awards & Honors

2010
Machtey award for best student paper
NSF graduate research fellowship
2009
George B. Covington prize
Outstanding senior research in mathematics
Churchill scholarship
2008
Barry M. Goldwater scholarship
2007
Highest scoring sophmore on the Putnam exam

News & Events

UChicago CS News

UChicago/TTIC Researchers Present Several Papers, Win Test of Time Awards at FOCS 2020

Dec 10, 2020
Past Event

Mika Goos (IAS) – Automated Proof Search: The Aftermath

Department of Mathematics & Computer Science Combinatorics & Theory Seminar
Oct 29, 2019
Past Event

Robert Robere (Rutgers) – Lifting with Simple Gadgets and Applications for Cutting Planes

Feb 19, 2019
UChicago CS News

UChicago CS Open House Introduces New Space and New Faces

Oct 22, 2018
UChicago CS News

Aaron Potechin, Expert in Complexity Theory, Joins UChicago CS as Asst. Professor

Sep 28, 2018
UChicago CS News

Eight New Faculty Join UChicagoCS for 2018-19 Academic Year

Aug 01, 2018
UChicago CS News

New Computer Science Faculty Bring Expertise in Security, Big Data, Mobile Networking and HCI

Nov 08, 2017
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