Applied Mathematics · Wake Forest University
John Gemmer
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Department of Mathematics
Wake Forest University
P.O. Box 7388 · 127 Manchester Hall
Winston-Salem, NC 27109
Office: Manchester #388
Phone: 717-512-0740
E-mail: gemmerj@wfu.edu
Welcome to my website. I am an applied mathematician with broad interests across the mathematical sciences. In my research, I use ideas from analysis, the calculus of variations, asymptotics, differential geometry, and numerical simulation to study mathematical models arising in the physical and biological sciences.
A recurring theme in my work is the use of mathematical structure to understand complicated physical phenomena, from pattern formation in thin elastic sheets to stochastic tipping and biological systems. More information about my research can be found here. Students interested in these areas are always welcome to contact me to discuss possible projects.
Background
I grew up in central Pennsylvania (here is a link to a picture from the valley I grew up in), where I spent a lot of time playing baseball and going on adventures in the woods. In August 2001 I went to college at Millersville University of Pennsylvania, where I discovered my passion for mathematics and physics.
In May 2012 I earned my doctorate in applied mathematics from The Interdisciplinary Program in Applied Mathematics at the University of Arizona. From July 2012 through July 2013 I was a research postdoc at the Arizona Center for Mathematical Sciences, housed within the College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona. From July 2013 through July 2016 I was an NSF-RTG postdoctoral fellow within the Division of Applied Mathematics at Brown University.
In July 2016 I joined the Department of Mathematics at Wake Forest University as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2023. I enjoy mathematics both as a research subject and as something to teach, and much of my work is motivated by finding mathematical ideas that illuminate problems across science.