The Jaco–Shalen–Johannson decomposition theorem established a significant framework for understanding the structure of 3-manifolds within the field of topology. William Howard Jaco, born in 1940 in Grafton, United States, has spent his career advancing research in low-dimensional manifolds, decision problems, and complexity theory, while serving in numerous leadership roles within the international mathematical community.
Academic Foundation and Early Career
Jaco earned his B.A. from Fairmont State College, followed by an M.A. from Pennsylvania State University. He completed his doctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1968. His early faculty experience included a position at the University of Michigan, where he served from 1968 to 1972, and a tenure at Rice University.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Contributions to 3-Manifold Topology
His primary research interests focus on geometry and topology, specifically regarding 3-manifolds. He is known for the development of the Jaco–Shalen–Johannson decomposition theorem and his work on normal surfaces. Furthermore, he contributed to the co-discovery of efficient triangulations. His publication record includes Lectures on Three-Manifold Topology and Memoirs of the American Mathematical Society series number 220, Seifert Fibered Spaces in Three Manifolds.
Leadership and Institutional Service
Jaco served two terms as head of the mathematics department at Oklahoma State University, first from 1982 to 1987 and again between 2011 and 2018. Beyond university governance, he acted as executive director of the American Mathematical Society. His committee work includes the National Research Council Board of Mathematical Sciences and the Joint Policy Board for Mathematics. In 2021, he retired from Oklahoma State University as Regents Professor Emeritus and accepted an adjunct professorship at Rice University.
Professional Honors
Jaco was elected a fellow of the American Mathematical Society in 2013 and is an honorary life member. His other honors include fellowship in the American Association for the Advancement of Science and induction into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in 2019. He has held distinguished titles such as the Grace B. Kerr Professor and the Lois and Fred Gehring Distinguished Visitor Chair. In 2010, Oklahoma State University hosted a conference titled Jacofest to mark his 70th birthday.
Fast facts
- Born: 1940, Grafton, United States
- Ph.D.: 1968, University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Primary Field: Topology
- Fellow of the American Mathematical Society: 2013
- Regents Professor Emeritus: Oklahoma State University
- Notable Theorem: Jaco–Shalen–Johannson decomposition theorem
Questions readers ask
What is William Jaco's primary research area?
He specializes in geometry and topology, focusing on low-dimensional manifolds, decision problems, algorithms, and complexity theory.
Where did William Jaco spend the majority of his academic career?
He held positions at the University of Michigan, Rice University, and Oklahoma State University, where he served as a department head and Regents Professor.
Achievements
- Held posts at Oklahoma State University and Rice University
- Fields: topology
