Xin Zhou

Name and title: 

Xin Zhou, Associate Professor, Mathematics

Academic focus: 

Geometric analysis, calculus of variations, general relativity

Current research project: 

I am working on variational theory of minimal surfaces and surfaces of prescribed mean curvature. These surfaces are mathematical models for soap bubbles and boundaries of black holes. I am developing analytical tools to study existence problems and properties of these types of surfaces. 

Previous positions:

• Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, University of California Santa Barbara, 2016-2020
• C. L. E. Moore Instructor, Department of Mathematics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2013-2016

Academic background:

• Ph.D., Mathematics, Stanford University, 2013
• M.S. Mathematics, Peking University, 2008
• B.S. Physics and mathematics, Tsinghua University, 2006

Last book read: 

"The Shape of a Life: One Mathematician's Search for the Universe's Hidden Geometry" by Shing-Tung Yau and Steve Nadis

In your own time/when not working: 

Watching sports and playing table tennis

Courses you’re most looking forward to teaching: 

Topics in Geometry

What most excites you about Cornell: 

The fantastic academic environment, particularly the interaction with brilliant faculty members and students, and the beautiful campus.