April 12th, 2007 About Me
Please look at my C.V. for more detailed information.
basic information
I am currently a graduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park, studying for a Ph.D. in pure mathematics. I received my B.A. from Swarthmore College in June 2009 with High Honors, double majoring in mathematics and music. For high school, I graduated from Bergen County Academies in June 2005, having studied in the Academy for the Advancement of Science and Technology. I was born in Daegu, South Korea, but moved to the United States with my parents in 1996, at the age of 9.
Research.Interests
Mathematics Being only a first-year graduate student, my research interests are bound to be somewhat naive and tentative. Nevertheless, I am currently interested in Algebraic Topology and Differential Topology. More specifically, I am interested in 4-manifold theory, especially classifying differential structures on smooth 4-manifolds. I am also interested in subtle connections between topological and differential structures (such as DeRham cohomology). I am at once intrigued and befuddled by the interplay between two different ways to think about differential forms (formal and algebraic versus intuitive and geometric).
Mathematical Music Theory Neo-Riemannian Transformation Theory and Geometric Music Theory. I am interested in the mathematics of voice-leading and chord progressions, using algebraic techniques as in Neo-Riemannian transformation theory, or using topological and geometric techniques as in geometric music theory. I also like to think about the interplay between music cognition and the mathematical structures discovered in music theory.
dis.tractions
Music Composition I have dabbled in composing, although I wouldn’t dare call myself a composer. I studied composition with Jerry Levinson in college. I like composing for string quartets and chamber orchestras, although unusual and innovative instrumentations are also appealing to me. My philosophy in composition is that the distinction between “high art” and “low art” is really null and void, especially since the latter half of the twentieth century. Check out my compositions and recordings.
Myst I’m a big fan of the computer game series Myst, including all its sequels and spin-offs. I first became addicted to the worlds of Myst when I bought the Ages of Myst boxed set (containing both Myst and Riven, its sequel) during the summer between middle school and high school. Since then, I’ve been playing all of the Myst series games off-and-on again. I also collect various Myst related paraphernalia, including the boxes of the various releases of the Myst games. My favorite Myst game is perhaps Myst 3: Exile, but I also really love Uru (especially the Path of the Shell expansion). I think Myst series is really the first set of games that treat gaming as an art, in addition to entertainment.
All time favorite music. While I would be hard-pressed to name any particular styles, composers/bands, or even specific pieces as my favorite, I have found the following list of works to endure repeated listening:
- Bach, J.S. Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied, BWV 225. (The recording by Cantus Cölln).
- Dream Theater. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence. (The live recording on Score.)
DISCLAIMER: This list is subject to change.
More to come.
