Auburn’s Zhang receives prestigious NSF CAREER Award

Paul Zhang, an assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Auburn University’s College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM), has been awarded the National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award. This highly competitive award supports early career faculty who demonstrate exceptional potential in research and education. 

Zhang's research focuses on partial differential equations (PDEs) of parabolic type, which are essential in describing physical, biological and financial phenomena. His work explores the complex dynamics of free boundary problems and stochastic homogenization in reaction-diffusion equations, with applications ranging from tumor growth to population dynamics. 

Reflecting on receiving the award, Zhang shared his surprise and gratitude.

“Frankly speaking, it was really unexpected. I didn’t anticipate receiving this recognition, but it means a lot to me," he said. "It feels like confirmation from my peers and the larger community that my work is valued. I’ve heard positive feedback from friends and collaborators before, but getting recognition from a broader community is incredibly rewarding.” 

Zhang emphasized the collaborative nature of his research.

“I’m particularly proud of the interdisciplinary collaborations I’ve developed,” he said.

He actively works with colleagues in engineering and finance, including partners at Columbia University and the University of California, Berkeley.

“These collaborations have expanded my perspective and introduced me to new, interesting questions that I might not have considered otherwise,” Zhang explained. “It’s exciting to see how mathematical concepts can be applied to real-world problems across different fields.” 

In addition to advancing his research, Zhang is dedicated to education and outreach. He plans to use a portion of the NSF grant to support undergraduate research experiences and to engage young students through COSAM’s outreach programs, including the Summer Science Institute.

“I want to inspire the next generation of mathematicians and scientists by showing them the real-world impact of mathematics,” he said. 

Zhang’s journey to Auburn began in Chengdu, China. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Fudan University in Shanghai and completed his Ph.D. at the University of California, Los Angeles. He then conducted postdoctoral research at the University of California, San Diego, before joining Auburn in 2022. 

Throughout his career, Zhang has been encouraged by mentors and colleagues who believed in his potential.

“I am deeply grateful for the support from my Ph.D. advisor, my postdoctoral mentor, and my colleagues at COSAM,” he noted. “Their guidance and encouragement inspired me to pursue ambitious research goals.” 

This award not only recognizes Zhang’s outstanding contributions to the field of mathematics, but also underscores Auburn’s commitment to advancing scientific research and education. As he continues his work, Zhang hopes to inspire future mathematicians and further expand his collaborative network.