A bachelor of science from Eastern Michigan University in 1964 marked the start of Ronald Alvin DeVore’s academic progression toward a distinguished career in mathematics. Born in Detroit in 1941, he later secured a doctorate from Ohio State University in 1967, studying under the supervision of Ranko Bojanic to establish his foundations in the field.
Early Career and Academic Appointments
DeVore began his teaching career at Oakland University, where he remained from 1968 to 1977. His subsequent move to the University of South Carolina in 1977 initiated a long-term tenure at that institution. During his time in South Carolina, he served as the Robert L. Sumwalt Professor of Mathematics from 1986 until 2005. Furthermore, he established the Industrial Mathematics Institutes, acting as their director between 1999 and 2005. Since 2008, he has held the position of Walter E. Koss Professor at Texas A&M University, later being named a Distinguished Professor in 2010.
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His mathematical research focuses on applied areas including numerical analysis of partial differential equations, statistics, wavelet transforms, and the approximation of functions. DeVore also contributed to machine learning algorithms and the theory of compressive sensing. His professional reach extended globally through visiting professorships at numerous institutions, such as the University of Bonn, the University of Paris VI, Princeton University, and the Courant Institute at New York University.
Awards and Professional Membership
DeVore’s academic contributions are recognized by his membership in the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He holds fellowship status with the American Mathematical Society, earned in 2013, and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, conferred in 2018. Additional honors include the Humboldt Prize and an honorary doctorate from the Sorbonne University, which he received in 2019. His career remains grounded in his extensive record of institutional service and international collaboration.
Fast facts
- Born: 1941, Detroit
- Education: Eastern Michigan University (B.S., 1964), Ohio State University (Ph.D., 1967)
- Current Position: Walter E. Koss Professor, Texas A&M University
- Notable Membership: National Academy of Sciences
- Awards: Humboldt Prize, SIAM Fellow (2018), AMS Fellow (2013)
- Honorary Doctorate: Sorbonne University (2019)
Questions readers ask
Where did Ronald DeVore hold his longest academic positions?
He served at the University of South Carolina from 1977 to 2005 and at Oakland University from 1968 to 1977.
What are the primary fields of mathematics associated with his work?
His research covers numerical analysis of partial differential equations, machine learning algorithms, function approximation, wavelet transforms, statistics, and compressive sensing.
Achievements
- Humboldt Prize
- Held posts at University of South Carolina, Texas A&M University and Purdue University
- Fields: mathematician
