Axel Brandt
Associate Professor
Contact
Background
After starting undergrad as a mathematics education major, the "maths after calculus" was so fascinating that I switched paths in favor of one leading toward mathematics graduate programs. During my master's I was introduced to the mathematical field of Graph Theory, which became my area of mathematical training. This area of mathematics is very accessible for conducting research as an undergraduate student, so don't hesitate to ask me about potential opportunities or projects!When I'm not in the college classroom, you might find me helping undergraduate students prepare for their future careers or making advanced mathematics accessible to students in the K-12 environment.
Areas of Expertise
My formal training is in Graph Theory, which examines structure in complex networks and is readily accessible for student research projects. Recently, I have taken some interest in the mathematics of Alternative Voting Methods (e.g. Ranked Choice, but I currently advocate for Score Voting).I love collaborating on projects and am open to ideas/suggestions, especially with and from students!
Education & Select Awards
Education
- Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, University of Colorado Denver
- M.S. in Mathematics, Miami University
- B.S. in Mathematics, Ohio Northern University
Awards for Teaching and Engagement
- Henry L. Alder Award from the Mathematical Association of America for early-career faculty who demonstrate "extra ordinarily successful" teaching that is "shown to have influence beyond their own classrooms" (2024)
- CINSAM Award from the Center for Integrative Natural Science and Mathematics at Northern Kentucky University recognizing faculty's "extraordinatry contributions to promote, enthusiasm, excellence, and equity in education at P-16 levels" in STEM disciplines (2022)
- Project NExT Fellowship from the Mathematical Association of America supporting new PhDs in mathematics as they prepare to thrive in their academic career (2017-2018)
- Lynn Batement Memorial Teaching Award and Fellowship from the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at the University of Colorado Denver to graduate students recognizing high quality teaching and potential for successful research (2013-2014)
Research with Students
All undergraduates unless otherwise indicated as high school studenth, graduate studentg, or faculty (co-)advisorf
- Determining the Threshold between Two Numbers with D. Hrusovsky
- Chasing a Runner on Graphs with C. Bruceh, L. Buzoganyh, C. Lam, O. Lamh, R. Lewis, J. Sureauh, V. Taran, and S. Voudrish
- Determining Optimal Strategy for a Variation of Tic-Tac-Toe with M. Walker
- Pursuit-Evasion on Graphs with R. Lerch, B. Rimal, J. Shannon
- Runner Locating with Multiple Probes with K. Akinrele, E. Breen, C. Erbesf, M. Lee, P. O'Doherty, and W. Rainer. Published in Australasian Journal of Combinatorics (2025)
- Coasters Done Quick with J. Adkins, E. Bezold, A. Leonard, and A. Shrestha
- Optimal Strategy in Combinatorial Games with P. O'Doherty and W. Rainer
- Planar Graphs with Grith 20 are Additively 3-Choosable with N. Tenpas and C. Yergerf. Published in Discrete Applied Mathematics (2020)
- An Alternative Approach for Bounding the Additive Choice Number of Planar Graphs with N. Tenpas and C. Yergerf. Published in Congressus Numeratium (2018)
- Additive List Coloring Even Cycles with S. Williams
- Mathematical Persistence in K-8 Students with S. Williams
- Local Gap Colorings from Edge Labelings with B. Moran, K. Nepalg, F. Pfenderf, and D. Siglerg. Published in Australasian Journal of Combinatorics (2016)
- Math for Peace: Rule of Law with B. Hoffman, M. Mowrey, and R. Ybarra
