Pseudoholomorphic quilts define the primary focus of Katrin Wehrheim’s mathematical research. Born in 1974 in Germany, this mathematician centers their scholarly activity on symplectic topology and gauge theory. By challenging the foundational rigor of established proofs in symplectic geometry alongside Dusa McDuff, they have contributed to the ongoing scrutiny of complex mathematical architectures.
Academic Foundation
Wehrheim pursued initial studies at the University of Hamburg, completing work there in 1995. Following a period at Imperial College London ending in 1996, they relocated to ETH Zurich. During their graduate tenure at ETH Zurich, Wehrheim contemplated a transition into competitive rowing before ultimately committing to doctoral research. They successfully completed a PhD in 2002 under the dual supervision of Dusa McDuff and Dietmar Salamon. Their doctoral thesis, titled Anti-Self-Dual Instantons with Lagrangian Boundary Conditions, earned the 2002 ETH medal.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Professional Trajectory
The early phase of Wehrheim’s career included an instructor position at Princeton University and a membership at the Institute for Advanced Study. In 2005, they accepted a tenure-track appointment at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. While at MIT, Wehrheim co-organized the 2008 Celebration of Women in Mathematics conference. Since 2013, they have served as a faculty member in the mathematics department at the University of California, Berkeley.
Recognition and Membership
Wehrheim’s contributions to the field have received national and professional acknowledgment. In 2009, they were named a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, subsequently receiving the award from Barack Obama at the White House in 2010. Furthermore, the American Mathematical Society recognized their work by electing them as a fellow in 2013.
Fast facts
- Born: 1974, Germany
- Citizenship: Germany
- Field of work: Mathematics
- Doctoral advisor: Dusa McDuff and Dietmar Salamon
- Notable honor: 2002 ETH medal
- PECASE award year: 2009
- Affiliation: American Mathematical Society
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of Wehrheim’s research?
Their work concentrates on symplectic topology, gauge theory, and the development of pseudoholomorphic quilts.
Where has Wehrheim held academic faculty positions?
They have served at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of California, Berkeley.
Achievements
- Held posts at Princeton University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of California, Berkeley
- Fields: mathematics
.jpg)