Tan Lei earned her PhD in mathematics from the University of Paris-Sud in 1986, initiating a career focused on the complex dynamics of Mandelbrot and Julia sets. Born in Pingxiang in 1963, she became a specialist in the geometry of complex numbers, contributing significant proofs that remain central to the field of fractality.
Academic Trajectory
Tan Lei pursued her early education at Wuhan University before moving to France to complete her doctoral studies at the University of Paris-Sud in Orsay. Following her graduation, she worked as an assistant researcher in Geneva. Her early postdoctoral years included roles at the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics and the University of Bremen until 1989. She subsequently accepted a lectureship at the Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon.
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The research conducted by Tan centered on the intersection of Julia and Mandelbrot sets, specifically examining their fractality and inherent mathematical similarities. She demonstrated that these sets exhibit asymptotic similarity through specific rotations and scaling at Misiurewicz points. Additionally, she identified polynomials with Julia sets that are homeomorphic to the Sierpinski carpet, providing evidence of their disconnected structure. Beyond her original research, she produced surveys and materials aimed at popularizing these complex topics.
Professional Appointments
Between 1995 and 1999, Tan held a research position at the University of Warwick. This was followed by a tenure as a senior lecturer at Cergy-Pontoise University. In 2009, she achieved the rank of professor at the University of Angers, a position she maintained while continuing her work in applied mathematics. She remained a citizen of the People's Republic of China throughout her international career.
Academic Output and Legacy
In 2000, Tan edited the volume The Mandelbrot Set, Theme and Variations, published as part of the London Mathematical Society Lecture Note Series. Her own doctoral thesis, Accouplements des polynômes quadratiques complexes, appeared in the Comptes Rendus de l'Académie des Sciences in 1986. Following her death in Villejuif on 1 April 2016, a memorial conference took place in Beijing in May 2016 to recognize her influence on the field.
Fast facts
- Born: 18 March 1963, Pingxiang
- Died: 1 April 2016, Villejuif
- PhD: 1986, University of Paris-Sud
- Citizenship: People's Republic of China
- Primary Field: Complex Dynamics
- Final Academic Title: Professor, University of Angers
Questions readers ask
What was the focus of Tan Lei's research?
She specialized in complex dynamics, focusing on the properties, fractality, and similarities of the Mandelbrot and Julia sets.
Where did Tan Lei hold her final professorship?
She was appointed professor at the University of Angers in 2009.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Paris-Sud and University of Angers
- Fields: mathematics
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