Education

Ph.D. in Mathematics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2003). 

Advisor: Brian Conrad.

Thesis: Optimal elliptic curves, discriminants, and the degree conjecture over function fields.

Diploma with Highest Honors, Yerevan State University, Armenia (1997). 

Employment

Pennsylvania State University, University Park. 

Professor of Mathematics (2020–present). 

Associate Professor of Mathematics (2014–2020). 

Assistant Professor of Mathematics (2007–2014). 

Stanford University. 

Szegö Assistant Professor of Mathematics (2003–2007). 

Visiting Positions

Max Planck Institute for Mathematics, Bonn, Germany. 

January 1–May 31, 2023; February 1–June 30, 2016; September 1–October 30, 2004. 

National Center for Theoretical Sciences, Hsinchu, Taiwan. 

September 15–December 15, 2022; June 1– 30, 2019; June 1– 30, 2018. 

Taida Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan. 

October 1–November 30, 2015; November 15– 30, 2012. 

Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany. 

April 1–June 30, 2011; September 1, 2008–April 30, 2009; November 1, 2004– February 28, 2005. 

Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, Bures-sur-Yvette, France. 

March 1–August 31, 2005. 

Research Support

• Simons Foundation, Travel Support for Mathematicians, MPS-TSM-00008093 (2024–2029); PI.

• Centre International de Mathématiques Pures et Appliquées, School in Armenia (2025); co-PI. 

• National Science Foundation, Conference Grant, DMS-2419068 (2024–2025); PI.

• Simons Foundation, Collaboration Grant, Award Number 637364 (2019–2024); PI.

• National Security Agency, Conference Grant, H98230-18-1-0103 (2018–2019); PI.

• Institute for Mathematics and its Applications, Conference Grant, (2018–2019); PI.

• National Science Foundation, Conference Grant, DMS-1709350 (2017–2018); PI.

• National Security Agency, Young Investigator Grant, H98230-15-1-0008 (2015–2017); PI.

• Simons Foundation, Collaboration Grant, Award Number 245676 (2012–2017); PI.

• National Science Foundation, Meetings Grant, DMS-0963728 (2010–2013); co-PI.

• National Science Foundation, Standard Grant, DMS-0801208 (2008–2011); PI.

• Humboldt Foundation, Research Fellowship (2008–2009).

• European Post-Doctoral Institute, Research Fellowship (2003–2005).

Honors

• Member of the Armenian Society of Fellows (2022-present). 

• Emil Artin Junior Prize (2005).

• Clay Mathematics Institute LiftOff Fellow (2003).

• Cornwell Prize in Mathematics, University of Michigan (2003).

• Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship, University of Michigan (2002).

• Diploma with Highest Honors, Yerevan State University (1997).

Mentoring

Postdoctoral Scholars

• Yen-Tsung Chen, Penn State (2023–2026).

Ph.D. Students

• Yukun Cai, Penn State, (2023–present).

• Milan Berger-Guesneau, Penn State, (2023–present).

• Sheng-Yang Kevin Ho, Penn State (2021-2025).

• Jeffrey Katen, Penn State (2019-2024).

• Chien-Hua Chen, Penn State (2017-2022). 

• Sumita Garai, Penn State (2015-2020).

• Ryan Flynn, Penn State (2009-2013).

M.A. Students

• Ashley Jairam, Penn State (2015).

• Supratim Ghosh, Penn State (2013).