Elizabeth Collins-Woodfin

I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Oregon.  Previously, I was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at McGill University (2022-2025, supervised by Elliot Paquette) and a Junior Fellow at the Institut Mittag-Leffler (Fall 2024).  I earned my PhD from the University of Michigan in 2022, advised by Jinho Baik.

Research: I am interested in probability and random matrix theory as well as their applications to spin glasses and machine learning.  My spin glass research focuses on the spherical Sherrington-Kirkpatrick model and variations of it (particularly fluctuations and phase transitions).  My machine learning research focuses on dynamics of stochastic gradient descent in the high-dimensional setting.

Other credentials: During my doctoral training, I also earned credentials in several other areas

• Data science certificate

• Graduate teaching certificate

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion certificate

Teaching: I enjoy teaching and have taught a variety of courses including probability, calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, discrete math, and math education.  Prior to graduate school, I was a high school math teacher in Chicago.

Service/leadership: I am involved in various professional and service organizations.  I have been an organizer/officer for the following conferences/organizations:

• Random Matrix special session at CMS Winter Meeting 2023

• Student Analysis Seminar 

• Association for Women in Mathematics UM Student Chapter

• Graduate Student Learning Community for Inclusive Teaching