Simons Foundation Awards Mathematics Grant to Florida Tech Professor

In July, the Simons Foundation awarded Florida Tech assistant professor Aaron Welters a grant to support his research.

Welters’ recent work includes research on the spectral theory of linear differential-algebraic equations (DAEs), broadband absorption suppression in magnetic composites, and wave propagation in complex and periodic media.

Before coming to Florida Tech, Welters held a two-year postdoctoral position as an applied mathematics instructor in the department of mathematics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Founded in 1994, the Simons Foundation has become one of the nation’s leading funders, striving to advance the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences.

The grant, from Simons’ mathematics and physical sciences division, is intended to stimulate collaboration in the field, primarily by funding Welters' travel and related expenditures. Funding is based on the quality and significance of the applicant’s previous research and the likely impact the grant will have on future research—both for the applicant and the applicant’s graduate students and/or postdoctoral fellows.

“This award is a tribute to Dr. Welters’ earned respect in the field of mathematics research and Florida Tech’s dedication to his most important and foundational field of study,” said interim provost Hamid Rassoul.

Funding support will be provided as a gift to Florida Tech in the amount of $42,000 including the requested gift assessment fee from September 1, 2023, through August 31, 2028. Payments will be disbursed annually by the end of the first quarter. Also, this gift includes the departmental funds and indirect costs Florida Tech incurs for this project.