School of Mathematics and Statistics

Overview

The School of Mathematics and Statistics is recognized for its contributions to research and applications of mathematical and statistical science, and it’s also known for expertise in mathematical and computational modeling, data science, and scientific inference. Since mathematics is at the root of many social, technical, medical, and environmental issues faced by society today, we equip our graduates with a deep understanding of mathematical and statistical principles, tools to apply those skills to real-world problems, and the ability to express complex ideas in everyday language. We provide our students with research and experiential learning opportunities and nurture curiosity and creativity.

1st

Mathematical modeling Ph.D. program in the nation

3:1

Student-to-faculty ratio

2

NSF Funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Programs

Latest News

  • November 21, 2024

    two men sit at a table looking at a laptop. A third man leans over the table to look at the laptops screen.

    In and out of Africa

    Africa is rich in natural resources and contains one of the most diverse ecosystems across the globe. The Sahara Desert itself is larger than the continental United States. With all the unique landscapes, wildlife, and growing urban areas, more than 30 RIT faculty have recognized the importance of traveling to the continent, all backed by RIT Global.

  • October 30, 2024

    two students in orange tshirts are shown at a table with paper and a pencil in front of them. One student is actively showing the other how to do a math problem.

    Saturday Math Academy offers extra help

    The program is a supplemental instruction session offered to all RIT students looking for one-on-one help for introductory math courses. The program aims to boost mathematics understanding across campus since all students must take a math course to complete their degrees.

Research

Current research in the unit involves developing mathematical frameworks to discern properties of a system by working backward from known effects. Application areas include medicine, engineering, finance, earth science and imaging and the focus is on investigating the impact of uncertainty in data, identification of cancer in soft tissues, estimation of material properties, identification of market volatility, and developing fast and reliable methods for large scale computational optimization.

Research Active Faculty:

Bernard Brooks headshot
Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Associate Head, Applied and Computational Mathematics
585-475-5138
Nathan Cahill headshot
Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Director, Mathematical Modeling Program
585-475-5144
Basca Jadamba headshot
Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Associate Head, Applied and Computational Mathematics
585-475-3994
Carl Lutzer headshot
Director Honors Program
Honors Program
Academic Affairs
Professor, School of Mathematics and Statistics
585-475-5125
George Thurston headshot
Professor
School of Physics and Astronomy
College of Science
Director of Physics MS Program
Program Faculty, School of Mathematics and Statistics
585-475-4549
Tony Wong headshot
Assistant Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
585-475-7486

Current work in the unit includes research and consulting in biostatistics, machine learning, data science, predictive analytics, signals processing, statistical education, and statistical/scientific inference with applications to biology, astrophysics, and engineering.

Research Active Faculty:

Mihail Barbosu headshot
Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Director of Data and Predictive Analytics Center
Associate Head for Statistics
585-475-2123
Nathan Cahill headshot
Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Director, Mathematical Modeling Program
585-475-5144
Linlin Chen headshot
Associate Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Minors Coordinator, Statistics
585-475-7619
Tony Wong headshot
Assistant Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
585-475-7486

Current research in the unit involves developing improved mathematical models of physiological systems; gaining new insights into mechanisms of physiological behavior; improving techniques for diagnosing and treating diseases; and devising advanced algorithms for analyzing physiological measurements.

Research Active Faculty:

Nathan Cahill headshot
Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Director, Mathematical Modeling Program
585-475-5144
Moumita Das headshot
Professor
School of Physics and Astronomy
College of Science
Program Faculty, School of Mathematics and Statistics
585-475-5135
Bonnie Jacob headshot
Professor
Department of Science and Mathematics
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Program Faculty, School of Mathematics and Statistics
585-475-2275
Kara Maki headshot
Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Director, Applied and Computational Mathematics MS Program
585-475-2541
George Thurston headshot
Professor
School of Physics and Astronomy
College of Science
Director of Physics MS Program
Program Faculty, School of Mathematics and Statistics
585-475-4549

Current work in the unit involves developing graph-based models of the brain to study the impact of concussions, improving and developing new graph-based algorithms for hyper-spectral image analysis, applying the growing concepts of complex network analysis to domain-based scientific problems, and applying algebraic techniques and methods to problems in cybersecurity.

Research Active Faculty:

Bernard Brooks headshot
Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Associate Head, Applied and Computational Mathematics
585-475-5138
Bonnie Jacob headshot
Professor
Department of Science and Mathematics
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Program Faculty, School of Mathematics and Statistics
585-475-2275
James Marengo headshot
Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Minors Coordinator, Actuarial Science
585-475-6872

Current work in the unit involves applying mathematical techniques of nonlinear dynamical systems to problems in fluid dynamics, climate modeling, population modeling, cell signaling dynamics, and more; developing mathematical models of thin film and interfacial flows with application to biological fluids, micro-fluidics devices, and industrial coating processes; gaining insights that lead to better prediction of hydrodynamic instabilities, such as turbulence, liquid fuel atomization, and liquid film breakup; devising novel computational methods to simulate fluid transport phenomena; and improving the current understanding of polymer flows and viscoelastic fluids.

Research Active Faculty:

Mihail Barbosu headshot
Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Director of Data and Predictive Analytics Center
Associate Head for Statistics
585-475-2123
Nathaniel Barlow headshot
Associate Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Applied and Computational Mathematics
585-475-4077
Bernard Brooks headshot
Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Associate Head, Applied and Computational Mathematics
585-475-5138
Nathan Cahill headshot
Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Director, Mathematical Modeling Program
585-475-5144
Carl Lutzer headshot
Director Honors Program
Honors Program
Academic Affairs
Professor, School of Mathematics and Statistics
585-475-5125
Kara Maki headshot
Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Director, Applied and Computational Mathematics MS Program
585-475-2541
George Thurston headshot
Professor
School of Physics and Astronomy
College of Science
Director of Physics MS Program
Program Faculty, School of Mathematics and Statistics
585-475-4549
Steven Weinstein headshot
Professor
Department of Chemical Engineering
Kate Gleason College of Engineering
Program Faculty, School of Mathematics and Statistics
585-475-4299
Tamas Wiandt headshot
Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Director, Applied Statistics Graduate Programs
Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Statistics
585-475-5767
Tony Wong headshot
Assistant Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
585-475-7486

Current work in the unit includes applications of differential geometry, numerical solutions of partial differential equations, and statistical inference to problems related to general relativity and celestial mechanics. Einstein's general theory of relativity is studied as a description of the geometry of spacetime. Advanced numerical and computational techniques are used to solve the coupled, nonlinear, system of PDEs of General Relativity and Magneto-Hydrodynamics. As part of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, SMS faculty and researchers use statistical signal processing techniques to search for, identify and characterize gravitational-wave signals from astrophysical systems.

Research Active Faculty:

Mihail Barbosu headshot
Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Director of Data and Predictive Analytics Center
Associate Head for Statistics
585-475-2123
Nathaniel Barlow headshot
Associate Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Applied and Computational Mathematics
585-475-4077
Manuela Campanelli headshot
Distinguished Professor of Astrophysics
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Program Faculty - PhD Program in Astrophysical Sciences and Technology (AST)
Director of Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation
Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS)
585-475-7752
Tamas Wiandt headshot
Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Director, Applied Statistics Graduate Programs
Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Statistics
585-475-5767

Current work in the unit involves developing new mathematical techniques to study problems of geophysical fluid dynamics, climate modeling, extreme weather, coastal and natural hazards, and other complex systems arising in the study of Earth and environmental systems.

Research Active Faculty:

Tony Wong headshot
Assistant Professor
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
585-475-7486

RIT faculty conduct observational and theoretical research across a wide range of topics in multi-messenger and multi-wavelength astrophysics, utilizing a combination of observations spanning the electromagnetic spectrum, data from gravitational wave detectors, and supercomputer simulations. Current areas of research include numerical relativity and relativistic magnetohydrodynamics, gravitational wave data analysis, compact object binaries, accretion disks and jets, supernovae, and pulsars. RIT is a member of the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope Corporation and faculty are involved in several major collaborations including the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory Scientific Collaboration, the NANOGrav Pulsar Timing Array Consortium and the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna.

Research Centers:
Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation

Research Active Faculty:

Manuela Campanelli headshot
Distinguished Professor of Astrophysics
School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science
Program Faculty - PhD Program in Astrophysical Sciences and Technology (AST)
Director of Center for Computational Relativity and Gravitation
Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS)
585-475-7752
Jason Nordhaus headshot
Associate Professor
Department of Science and Mathematics
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Program Faculty, School of Mathematics and Statistics
585-475-4202

Featured Work and Profiles

Undergraduate Programs

The School of Mathematics and Statistics provides a solid collegiate math education to every RIT undergraduate and offers high-level specializations such as statistical forecasting, digital encryption, and mathematical modeling. We prepare our graduates to be successful, whether they choose immediate employment upon graduation or to attend graduate school in pursuit of advanced degrees.

RIT’s applied mathematics bachelor’s degree focuses on mathematically analyzing and solving problems such as models for perfecting global positioning systems, analyzing cost-effectiveness in manufacturing processes, or improving digital encryption software.

Learn more about the Applied Mathematics BS program 

RIT’s bachelor of science in applied statistics provides you with a strong foundation in statistical methodology, experience in its applications, a solid background in the use of statistical computing packages, and the skills to collaborate on projects that rely on statistical analysis.

Learn more about the Applied Statistics and Data Analytics BS program 

RIT’s computational mathematics major emphasizes problem-solving using mathematical models to identify solutions in business, science, engineering, and more.

Learn more about the Computational Mathematics BS program 

Graduate Programs

The School of Mathematics and Statistics equips its graduates with a deep understanding of math principles, a toolbox for applying those skills to real-world problems, and the ability to easily express complex ideas. Our graduate programs introduce students to rigorous advanced applied mathematical and statistical methodology. Students realize the potential for that cutting-edge methodology as a general tool in the study of exciting problems in science, business, and industry.

An applied and computational mathematics master’s degree that is designed for you to create innovative computing solutions, mathematical models, and dynamic systems to solve problems in industries such as engineering, biology, and more.

Learn more about the Applied and Computational Mathematics MS program 

An applied statistics certificate for engineers, analysts, and other professionals to develop a deeper understanding of the statistical methods related to their fields.

Learn more about the Applied Statistics Adv. Cert. program 

In this master’s in applied statistics, you’ll learn statistical analysis and apply it to a variety of industries, including insurance, marketing, government, health care, and more.

Learn more about the Applied Statistics MS program 

The mathematical modeling Ph.D. enables you to develop mathematical models to investigate, analyze, predict, and solve the behaviors of a range of fields from medicine, engineering, and business to physics and science.

Learn more about the Mathematical Modeling Ph.D. program 

Minors and Immersions

The actuarial science minor prepares students for work in insurance companies, investment firms, banks, for the government, and in the health care industry where there is a need to analyze the financial consequences of risk. The actuarial science minor prepares students for two exams administered by the Society of Actuaries: the Exam P: Probability, which assesses a candidate's knowledge of the fundamental probability tools for quantitatively assessing risk, and the Exam FM: Financial Mathematics, which assesses a candidate's understanding of the fundamental concepts of financial mathematics and how those concepts are applied in a variety of areas.

Learn more about the Actuarial Science Minor program 

Deepen your technical background and gain further appreciation for modern mathematical sciences and the use of statistics as an analytical tool.

Learn more about the Applied Statistics Immersion program 

Deepen your technical background and gain further appreciation for modern mathematical sciences and the use of statistics as an analytical tool.

Learn more about the Applied Statistics Minor program 

The mathematics minor is designed for students who want to learn new skills and develop new ways of framing and solving problems. It offers students the opportunity to explore connections among mathematical ideas and to further develop mathematical ways of thinking.

Learn more about the Mathematics Minor program 

Upcoming Math Seminars

This seminar series is focused on all aspects of inverse problems including, but not limited to differential equations, numerical methods, optimization, uncertainty quantification, experimental techniques, data analysis techniques, and computational methods. InvPrS is open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend.

This is a big tent seminar series for everything discrete: graph theory, combinatorics, combinatorial optimization, applications of discrete mathematics, and computational aspects of all these subjects. DisCoMathS is open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Upcoming DisCoMathS Seminars

This seminar series is focused on all aspects of mathematical modeling, including the development, analysis, refinement, and validation of mathematical models in a wide variety of applications. It is open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Upcoming Mathematical Modeling Seminars

Student Resources

Here you will find additional resources for the School of Mathematics and Statistics, such as career-building tools, tutoring, workshops, etc.

See Resources

Would you like to donate to our school?

Your gift helps the university support students, attract great faculty members, and maintain leading-edge academic programs.

Make a Gift