Matt Kahle took over as chair of the Mathematics Department this Fall 2025. Matt has had an active research program at the intersection of topology, geometry, statistics. Over his time at OSU, Matt has advised dozens of Ph.D. students, several postdocs, and has four current Ph.D. students. During his time at OSU, Matt has been recognized as a Mercator Fellow (2019), a Fellow of the AMS (2019), a Simons Fellow (2019), an Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow (2012), and an NSF CAREER awardee (2014). Below is a small interview conducted by Cheyenne Wagner, Executive Assistant to the Chair.
Q: What sparked your interest in mathematics?
A: From a young age, at about 8 or 9 years old, I was obsessed with the Rubik’s cube. I even dreamed of becoming a “Doctor of Cubology”. I learned from a book on how to solve the Rubik’s cube and eventually could do it in just a few minutes. That fascination led me to study combinatorics, which includes arranging objects like the Rubik’s cube, and led me to get a PhD in Mathematics in 2007 from the University of Washington.
Q: What brought you to Ohio State, and what has kept you here?
A: When I saw the job opportunity at Ohio State, I was excited for the opportunity to apply and be interviewed at a world-class research institution. I happily accepted the tenure track position and started working here in 2011. Since then, I’ve found the Math Department to be a very welcoming environment. I’ve enjoyed working with faculty, staff, and students, and mentoring graduate students has been especially fulfilling.
Q: What are your goals as the Ohio State Mathematics Department Chair?
A: I am focused on strengthening our sense of community by supporting student organizations more, hosting more department wide events with faculty, staff, and students, and improving communication. I want everyone to feel connected and heard.
Q: What are the Math Department’s areas of growth?
A: One area for growth is increasing communication and public outreach, to show the public what Mathematics is about and how it applies to real life.
Q: What’s coming up in the Math Department that you’re looking forward to?
A: We have several exciting endowments. The Shaw Endowment, which is a 5-year chaired professorship, recognizing faculty excellence. The Rosenblatt–Miller Lecture series will offer public facing talks. And the Robertson Prize, contributed by emeritus colleague Neil Robertson, will honor a PhD student for a creative and original thesis.
Q: What kind of culture do you hope to foster in the Math Department?
A: I want to foster a culture that focuses on mutual respect, kindness, and openness to different opinions. I believe this kind of environment is a foundation that makes all our academic work possible.
Q: What advice do you have for graduate students?
A: Explore a variety of classes, attend seminars, and don’t be shy about interacting with faculty or asking questions. This can help you find the right advisor and research direction.
Q: Do you have a favorite class to teach?
A: Yes, the Math 6501 and 6502 classes in Combinatorics and Graph Theory. I’ve taught them many times and love the energy and engagement of our graduate students.
Article contributed by Cheyenne Wagner