A proof delivered on March 20, 2023, confirmed that a specific shape discovered by David Smith acts as an aperiodic monotile, solving a long-standing open problem known as the einstein problem. Chaim Goodman-Strauss participated in this collaborative research, marking a significant milestone in the study of convex geometry and tiling patterns.
Academic Foundations and Early Research
Born on June 22, 1967, in Austin, Texas, Goodman-Strauss completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin in 1988. He remained at the institution to earn his Ph.D. in 1994, studying under doctoral advisor John Edwin Luecke. During 1995, he conducted research at The Geometry Center at the University of Minnesota, specifically investigating aperiodic tilings of the plane.
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Goodman-Strauss joined the University of Arkansas faculty in 1994 and held the position of departmental chair from 2008 to 2015. Beyond his academic duties, he sought to popularize mathematics, notably by presenting 'The Math Factor,' a podcast associated with the NPR affiliate KUAF 91.3 FM, between 2004 and 2012. He serves on the advisory council for Gathering 4 Gardner and participates in Celebration of Mind events.
Publications and Visualization
In 2008, he collaborated with John H. Conway and Heidi Burgiel to publish 'The Symmetries of Things.' For this work, he developed software to generate hundreds of color images designed to illustrate the mathematical theory of patterns. The Mathematical Association of America noted that these illustrations were essential to the text. Additionally, he has produced large-scale sculptures inspired by mathematical concepts.
Awards and Professional Roles
Goodman-Strauss has held visiting positions at Princeton University and the National Autonomous University of Mexico. In 2022, he received the Rosenthal Prize from the National Museum of Mathematics for innovation in teaching. He has retired from his faculty role at the University of Arkansas and now serves as the outreach mathematician for the National Museum of Mathematics.
Fast facts
- Born: June 22, 1967, Austin, Texas
- Citizenship: United States
- Doctoral advisor: John Edwin Luecke
- Notable book: The Symmetries of Things (2008)
- 2022 Award: Rosenthal Prize
- Current role: Outreach mathematician, National Museum of Mathematics
Questions readers ask
What is the einstein problem?
It is a longstanding open problem concerning aperiodic monotiles, which Goodman-Strauss helped solve in 2023.
Did Goodman-Strauss contribute to visual media?
Yes, he developed software to create hundreds of images for his book 'The Symmetries of Things' and creates mathematical sculptures.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Arkansas
