A year of recognition for mathematician Sam Nariman
05-04-2026
A piece of wood, a sliced onion, a carefully layered fabric—these everyday patterns hold the same underlying idea that drives Associate Professor of Mathematics Sam Nariman’s research. By studying how complex spaces can be broken down into simpler, layered structures, Nariman is working at the edge of geometry.
In 2026, Nariman’s work and growing impact in the field have been recognized with a series of major honors. He was named a Purdue University Faculty Scholar, received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar award for the 2026–27 academic year in Japan, and earned a Simons Fellowship—three distinctions that highlight both the depth of his research and its global reach.
The Purdue University Faculty Scholar award recognizes mid-career faculty who are on an accelerated path for academic distinction. The honor reflects Nariman’s contributions to mathematics and his continued momentum as a researcher and educator within the College of Science.
His selection as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar will take that work abroad. The Fulbright Program supports faculty as they teach and conduct research internationally, fostering collaboration and long-term academic partnerships. Nariman’s award will allow him to engage with colleagues in Japan, expanding the scope of his research while contributing to a broader exchange of ideas. Fulbright scholars often build lasting collaborations, and their work frequently leads to increased international co-authorship and new research directions.
The Simons Fellowship further underscores the significance of Nariman’s research by providing dedicated time and support for focused study. The fellowship is designed to advance fundamental discoveries in mathematics and related fields, giving scholars the opportunity to pursue ambitious projects without the usual constraints of teaching and administrative responsibilities.
At the center of Nariman’s work is the study of geometric structures known as foliations—ways of breaking down complex spaces into simpler, layered components. He compares these structures to familiar patterns, like the grain in wood or the layers of an onion, offering an accessible way to understand an otherwise abstract concept.
His research explores how these layers behave and interact, particularly through the lens of symmetry. By studying diffeomorphism groups—the mathematical objects that describe how shapes can be stretched or bent without tearing—Nariman is working to uncover the rules that govern these structures.
A key focus of his current work is the Haefliger-Thurston conjecture, a long-standing open problem that connects the algebraic properties of these symmetry groups with the geometric complexity of foliations. To approach this challenge, Nariman combines classical mathematical tools with newer techniques in bounded cohomology, aiming to answer foundational questions that have remained unresolved for years.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to be recognized this way and I am profoundly grateful for this investment in my work that provides the vital support and dedicated time necessary to pursue this direction,” Nariman said. “I am fully committed to honoring this trust, and I look forward to using this opportunity to make meaningful progress on these problems.”
Together, these honors mark a significant moment in Nariman’s career. They not only recognize his past achievements but also provide the time, resources and global connections needed to push his research forward—advancing understanding in geometry and strengthening Purdue’s presence in the international mathematical community.
About the Mathematics Department at Purdue University
The Department of Mathematics is one of seven departments making up Purdue's College of Science. The Department has an international reputation as an outstanding center for mathematical research and education. Over 70 professors are actively involved in research in many areas of mathematics, including visiting scholars and through a vibrant graduate program. The Department offers Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The department is located in the Math Building at 150 N. University Street in West Lafayette, Indiana. Learn more at math.purdue.edu.
Written by: Alisha Willett, Communications Specialist, amwillet@purdue.edu
Contributors: Sam Narimen, snarimen@purdue.edu