TROY, Ala. – Troy University will host Dr. Jiří Minarčík, a mathematician from the Czech Republic, from March 23–26. The visit, focused on mathematical modeling, geometric flows, and computational geometry, marks the beginning of a broader initiative to bring international scholars to the Alabama campus and foster collaboration between researchers and students. The initiative underscores Troy University’s commitment to global engagement and advanced study in theoretical fields.
Dr. Minarčík’s arrival is a significant step for the university’s Center for Relativity and Cosmology and the University Honors Global Scholars Program, which are jointly hosting the scholar. The visit aims to expand opportunities for student engagement with active researchers in a rapidly evolving field. The focus on theoretical gravity positions Troy University as a unique institution within the country, according to university officials.
A Fulbright Scholar’s Journey to Alabama
Dr. Minarčík arrives at Troy University as a Fulbright-Masaryk Scholar, currently collaborating with Professor Keenan Crane at Carnegie Mellon University on applications of geometric flows in computer graphics and computational geometry. He earned his Ph.D. In mathematics from the Czech Technical University in Prague in 2024. Prior to his current role, Minarčík spent six years as a founding researcher at Resistant AI, where he applied mathematics and machine learning to fraud detection and anti-money laundering. His research centers on the geometry of evolving curves and surfaces and their connections to physics and computation, a field that resonates with ongoing research at Troy University.
“Troy University is deeply committed to the Fulbright mission of building bridges across cultures and communities,” said Dr. Priya Menon, University Honors Director and Fulbright Scholar Alumni Legacy Ambassador. “As a former Fulbright Scholar and Ambassador for the program, I am honored to welcome scholars from the Czech Republic and Norway. Their presence at TROY offers our faculty and students a powerful opportunity to engage with global perspectives and to see themselves as part of a wider intellectual and professional world.”
Geometric Flows and Their Broad Applications
Dr. Minarčík’s public lecture, “Applications of Geometric Flows,” will be held at 11 a.m. On Monday, March 23, in the Troy University Library Multimedia Room. Geometric flows are equations that describe how shapes evolve over time. The lecture will explore how modeling moving curves and surfaces provides insight into phenomena across scales, from the strength of materials to atmospheric vortices like tornadoes, and even magnetic field lines in the solar corona.
The connection between Minarčík’s work and the research at Troy University’s Center for Relativity and Cosmology is particularly noteworthy. “In our work at TROY, we study magnetic fields around black holes, and many of the underlying questions are deeply connected to geometry, which makes collaborations with geometers particularly exciting,” said Dr. Rakshak Adhikari, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Physics. “The Center has a long-term vision of regularly hosting visiting scholars, and Dr. Minarčík’s visit marks the beginning of that broader initiative.”
A Week of Engagement and Collaboration
Throughout the week, Dr. Minarčík will participate in a series of lectures and meetings designed to engage the Troy University community. The schedule includes:
- Monday, March 23: 11:00 a.m. – Public Lecture: “Geometric Flows,” Troy University Library Multimedia Room
- Tuesday, March 24: 11:00 a.m. – Lecture: “Hasimoto Fractal,” McCall Hall, Room 114
- Wednesday, March 25: 10:00 a.m. – Lecture: “Codimension Geometric Flows,” McCall Hall, Room 326
- Wednesday, March 25: 12:00 p.m. – Fulbright panel, Troy University Library
In addition to these public events, Dr. Minarčík is scheduled to meet with TROY Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., the Provosts, math and physics faculty, and University Honors students. He will also tour the Rosa Parks Museum before his departure. Dr. Govind Menon, Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating, “Academia thrives when ideas are shared without boundaries. After all, mathematics is the only truly universal language.”
The visit represents a significant investment in interdisciplinary research and international collaboration for Troy University. The university hopes to build on this momentum by regularly hosting visiting scholars, creating opportunities for students to interact with leading researchers and explore the practical applications of fundamental scientific principles. For more information about Dr. Minarčík’s visit and related events, contact the Center for Relativity and Cosmology at [email protected].
Following Dr. Minarčík’s visit, Troy University anticipates welcoming additional Fulbright Scholars as part of its ongoing commitment to fostering a globally connected academic environment. The University Honors Global Scholars Program will announce details regarding future visiting scholars in the coming months.
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