Banner year for Purdue Mathematics as three faculty earn Simons Fellowships
04-21-2026
A standout year for Purdue Mathematics is bringing national recognition to three faculty members whose research continues to push the field forward.
The Simons Foundation has named three Purdue University mathematicians as Simons Fellows in Mathematics: Sam Nariman, Sasha Tsymbaliuk and Xiangxiong Zhang. The fellowship, one of the most competitive honors in the discipline, provides support for a full year of dedicated research, enabling recipients to pursue new ideas, collaborate with peers and advance ongoing projects.
This year’s recognition is particularly notable for Purdue. Since the fellowship program began in 2012, only a small number of Purdue Mathematics faculty have received the award, making the selection of three fellows in a single year an uncommon achievement.
Zhang emphasized the value of the opportunity to focus deeply on his work. “I am honored and deeply grateful to the Simons Foundation for this support,” he said. “The fellowship provides a valuable opportunity for a full year of focused research and collaboration, including travel to conferences and visits with colleagues, which will be invaluable for advancing my research.”
Tsymbaliuk highlighted the global and collaborative impact of the fellowship. “It's a big honor for me to receive the Simons Fellowship in Mathematics,” he said. “This provides a unique opportunity to fully focus on projects with my international collaborators and participate in research programs taking place during usual semester activities. It also offers an opportunity for a wider dissemination, new collaboration and deeper mentoring.”
Nariman noted the importance of dedicated time and support for tackling complex problems. “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,” he said. “I am fully committed to honoring this trust, and I look forward to using this opportunity to make meaningful progress on these problems.”
The Simons Fellows program supports scientists in mathematics and theoretical physics by providing resources for extended research leave. For Purdue, this year’s cohort reflects both the strength of its mathematics department and its growing influence in advancing fundamental research.
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 Nariman, snariman@purdue.edu
Sasha Tsymbaliuk, otsymbal@purdue.edu
Xiangxiong Zhang, zhan1966@purdue.edu