Dr. Robert Kohn

Biography

Robert V. Kohn is a Silver Professor in the Department of Mathematics at New York University. He earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Princeton University in 1979, his M.Sc. from the University of Warwick in 1975, and his A.B. from Harvard University in 1974. Kohn's research interests lie in nonlinear partial differential equations and calculus of variations, with a focus on problems related to physics and materials science. His current work explores the study of elastic-energy-driven pattern formation in thin elastic sheets, addressing phenomena like wrinkling, folding, and delamination. Through controlled physical experiments and numerical simulations, Kohn aims to quantify these phenomena and understand the reasons behind specific pattern formations. His recent collaborations with researchers such as Jacob Bedrossian and Sylvia Serfaty have delved into the variational perspective of elastic energy minimization and its applications to prediction in machine learning. Additionally, Kohn's current project involves modeling the 'stock prediction problem' to predict binary sequences, further applying the analogies he has established through his work in nonlinear partial differential equations.

Research Interests