Francis Su

Francis Su, PhD, Benediktsson-Karwa Professor of Mathematics, studies problems at the intersection of combinatorics, geometry, and topology that are often motivated by the social sciences. This includes work in topological combinatorics, convex geometry, and triangulations of polytopes and their applications in game theory, voting theory, and the mathematics of fair decisions. He has co-authored numerous papers with undergraduates.

From 2015-2017, Su served as President of the Mathematical Association of America, the largest professional society of mathematicians, students, and enthusiasts. He is also a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society and has served as that organization’s vice-president.

Su also has a passion for popularizing mathematics through writing and public engagement. He has written numerous articles about mathematics and math education. He also authors the popular Math Fun Facts website. Three of his articles have been featured in Princeton Press’ Best Writing on Mathematics.

From the Mathematical Association of America, he received the 2018 Halmos-Ford award for mathematical writing, and the 2013 Haimo Award for distinguished teaching of college-level mathematics. His work has been featured in Quanta Magazine, Wired, and The New York Times. 

His book Mathematics for Human Flourishing (2020), winner of the 2021 Euler Book Prize, has been translated into eight languages. It offers an inclusive vision of what math is, who it’s for, and why anyone should learn it.

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