Purdue mathematicians named in world’s top 2% of scientists
10-01-2024
Purdue University mathematicians, including Associate Professor Xiangxiong Zhang, have been recognized among the world’s top 2% of scientists for 2024.
Xiangxiong Zhang, associate professor in the College of Science’s Department of Mathematics, has been named among the world’s top 2% of scientists according to the Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists List 2024. Zhang ranked 98th out of 16,443 researchers in the subfield of numerical and computational mathematics based on single-year citations for 2023.Six faculty members from the Department of Mathematics were named in the top 2% for single-year citations in 2023, Zhang is the only associate professor in the list. Others named include: Professors Suchuan Dong, Zhiqiang Cai, Changyou Wang, Plamen Stefanov, and Trevor Wooley.
Zhang’s research is focused on developing numerical methods for solving complex mathematical equations, known as partial differential equations. These equations have practical applications in areas such as modeling fluid flow, traffic patterns and wave propagation.
His past contributions, which earned him this distinction, involve creating techniques to stabilize high-accuracy solutions for a special class of equations called hyperbolic conservation laws. These equations are essential for understanding phenomena such as shock waves in gas dynamics.
“Being named in the top 2% is both a testament of my research and a reminder of the importance of fundamental mathematics in solving real-world problems,” Zhang said. “I hope this recognition inspires further interdisciplinary collaboration and opens doors for future projects that can make an impact in both theoretical and applied sciences.”
As the ability to collect vast amounts of data and simulate intricate systems continues to advance, applied and computational mathematics has become an essential pillar for scientific and technological progress. Zhang’s research comes at a critical point in history where the mathematical models used to solve real-world problems must be both highly accurate and computationally efficient.
Even minor inaccuracies can lead to significant discrepancies in outcomes, particularly in areas like fluid dynamics, where precision is paramount. Ensuring that these equations are solved correctly is not just a mathematical challenge—it is a necessity for making informed decisions.
One of the most promising developments in the field is the growing ability to tackle equations and optimization problems that were previously considered too complex or computationally prohibitive. Zhang’s work aims to refine the numerical methods used in these models, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in applied mathematics.
“Our goal is to develop tools that can handle the complexity of modern simulations without sacrificing accuracy,” Zhang said. His ongoing research has the potential to transform how these equations are solved, opening new possibilities for applications in engineering, physics, and emerging fields like data science and machine learning.
Purdue University’s advanced computing resources and strong interdisciplinary research environment have played a crucial role in Zhang’s success. The Center for Computational and Applied Mathematics, where he is affiliated, provides access to cutting-edge facilities, including high-performance computing clusters, and fosters a vibrant intellectual community that drives innovation.
Zhang’s work underscores the importance of mathematical sciences in solving diverse, global challenges and reaffirms Purdue’s commitment to advancing research that has tangible, real-world impact.
About Purdue University’s College of Science
Purdue University’s College of Science is committed to the persistent pursuit of the mathematical and scientific knowledge that forms the very foundation of innovation. More than 350 tenure-track faculty conduct world-changing research and deliver a transformative education to more than 6,000 undergraduates and 1,750 graduate students. See how we develop practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges with degree programs in the life sciences, physical sciences, computational sciences, mathematics, and data science at www.purdue.edu/science.
About Purdue University
Purdue University is a public research institution demonstrating excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top four in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, including nearly 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue’s main campus has frozen tuition 13 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap — including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the new Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, and Purdue Computes — at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.