Zhiyong Gao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Rice University. He has an extensive academic background, having earned his Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1984. His research primarily focuses on Differential Geometry, a field that intersects with various areas of pure mathematics. At Rice University, he is not only engaged in teaching mathematics but also in advancing research in his area of expertise. His contributions to the field have been recognized through various academic initiatives and collaborations within the mathematical community.