Professor of Mathematics David Manderscheid earns multiple national roles that help keep UT math on the forefront of AI and quantum mathematics spaces.
Professor David Manderscheid, Department of Mathematics, earned multiple new appointments this year to national organizations, further connecting UT mathematics to impactful, forward-thinking research.
“These appointments allow me to help shape the future of mathematics at the pivotal point created by the intersection of math and AI and the role of mathematics in quantum information sciences,” said Manderscheid. “I will bring valuable information to UT while highlighting some of the great work in mathematics, AI, and quantum information sciences going on at UT on a national scale.”
Manderscheid will engage directly with the latest developments in these areas as the newly named editor-in-chief for Notices of the American Mathematical Society, the most widely read publication in the mathematical sciences. The publication focuses on first-rate exposition of transformational research and articles of professional interest to mathematicians—from graduate students through professors.
“My goal is to profoundly impact the future direction of mathematics at a time when math has never been more important to our country, but also never more at risk of being marginalized,” said Manderscheid. “I hope to bring that impact back to UT as a researcher and as a teacher of the next generation of mathematicians.”
Board Memberships Engage Science and Policymaking
Manderscheid also joined two boards that will help strengthen UT math’s role across national knowledge frontiers and policy directions.
His first new board role is through membership on the Board of Mathematical Sciences and Analytics at the National Academy of Sciences. This board leads organized studies, workshops, and other activities that help federal organizations better engage with the mathematical sciences, particularly in the current AI and quantum research landscape.
“My participation as a member will help provide guidance and leadership in the mathematical sciences for policy makers and build bridges to other disciplines,” he said.
He was also appointed to the Board of Trustees at the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics at the University of California, Los Angeles. This board helps shape the future of the National Science Foundation’s Mathematical Sciences Research Institutes, providing avenues to foster close ties to industry across the nation.
National Stage for Natural Sciences and Math
These appointments help elevate national recognition for the college’s Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM) and the math department’s leadership across AI and quantum spaces.
“Manderscheid is exceptionally well-suited and highly qualified to serve in these high-profile leadership roles,” said Professor Xiaobing H. Feng, head of the mathematics department. “Given his extensive leadership experience—including his four-year tenure as director of the Division of Mathematical Sciences at the NSF—his service will not only make significant contributions to these organizations but will also enhance UT’s visibility, prestige, and reputation.”
The roles add to the college’s research and the educational framework, laying foundations for innovation and preparing the next generation of students and professionals for diverse careers.
“Manderscheid’s combined activities demonstrate his national leadership,” said Professor Gladys Alexandre, interim divisional dean for NSM. “This type of impact is what our colleagues and disciplines in NSM do to address current and future challenges,” said Alexandre. “This is how faculty lead at top institutions—our faculty are that impressive.”
by Randall Brown