Research

My research is focused on using techniques from topology to study mixing (viscous) fluids. Some of the tools include topological entropy and braids. More specifically, I am looking to see what aspects of a system determine the amount of entropy.

My advisor is Jean-Luc Thiffeault.

Papers and Projects

J.-L. Thiffeault, E. Lanneau, and S. Matz, The Cat's Cradle, Stirring, and Topological Complexity, Dynamical Systems Magazine, April 2009.

S. Matz, Modifications of the Harmonic Series, Undergraduate Thesis, Pennsylvania State University, May 2006 (Advisor: S. Katok).

Talks

An Introduction to Topological Mixing, GPS Applied Math, September 26, 2011.

Topological Entropy and Secondary Folding, Specialty Exam, April 27, 2010.

On the Topological Entropy of Linked Twist Maps, SIAM - UW Chapter, February 10, 2010.

Lefschetz Numbers and the Quest for the Smallest pseudo-Anosov, GPS Topology, October 26, 2009.

Finding the Worst pseudo-Anosov Mixer (on a surface of genus g!), GPS Topology, May 6, 2009.

The Fundamental Groupoid and Van Kampen's Theorem, GPS Topology, Fall 2007.