Lecturer
Department of Mathematics
University of Illinois, Chicago
I'm a Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science at the University of Illinois, Chicago. I'm teaching MCS 181 (Calculus II) and 310 (Applied Linear Algebra) this semester. I recently received my PhD from the University of Utah under the supervision of Srikanth Iyengar and Karl Schwede. Broadly, I am interested in commutative algebra and algebraic geometry, with a particular interest in using derived categories to study singularities. More specifically, I'm interested in derived splinters, closure operations, and the McKay correspondence. Here is a copy of my thesis.
Before my career in math, I had a brief stint in consulting at EY-Parthenon. Prior to that, I received my BA in mathematics from Williams College in Williamstown, MA where I did research in commutative algebra with Susan Loepp and on multidimensional continued fractions with Tom Garrity. Outside of math, I enjoy skiing, hiking, biking, roller skating, and (listening and dancing to) music. I'm also passionate about public transit and urbanism and am a former board member of Sweet Streets.
I am on the academic job market this year! Here is a copy of my CV (updated August 2024).
Peter M. McDonald. Homological properties of the relative Frobenius morphism. arXiv: 2401.01880. Submitted.
Peter M. McDonald. Multiplier ideals and klt singularities via (derived) splittings. arXiv: 2307.07906. Submitted.
Fleming, Ji, Loepp, McDonald, Pande, Schwein. Completely controlling the dimensions of formal fiber rings at prime ideals of small height. J. Commut. Algebra 11 (2019), no. 3, 363--388. doi:10.1216/JCA-2019-11-3-363. https://projecteuclid.org/euclid.jca/1575363817. arXiv: 1604.04176.
Fleming, Ji, Loepp, McDonald, Pande, Schwein. Controlling the dimensions of formal fibers of a unique factorization domain at the height one prime ideals. J. Commut. Algebra 10 (2018), no. 4, 475--498. doi:10.1216/JCA-2018-10-4-475. https://projecteuclid.org/euclid.jca/1544950826. arXiv: 1601.07136.
Thomas Garrity and Peter M. McDonald, Generalizing the Minkowski Question Mark Function to a Family of Multidimensional Continued Fractions, International Journal of Number Theory, Vol. 14 No. 9, October 2018. arXiv: 1701.09070.
Here is a list of recent and upcoming travel plans:
October 19-20: AMS Sectional, Albany, NY
Below you can find information on past courses I've taught.
Fall 2024: Math 181: Calculus II (2 sections), Math 310: Applied Linear Algebra
Fall 2018: MATH 1321: Accelerated Engineering Calculus II
Below are some activities I've been involved with here in the math department.
While I'm not currently involved with the AWM, I've organized two editions of our RTG Conference BRIDGES in 2021 and 2022 and was also treasurer from 2019-2021. As an organization, we are focused on supporting all underrepresented groups in mathematics. You can find out more information about our activities on our website.
In 2022, I chaired the organizing committee for the BRIDGES Workshop, hosted at the University of Utah June 7-10, 2022. Intended for advanced undergraduate and early career graduate students interested in algebraic geometry, commutative algebra, geometric group theory, and number theory, the conference aims to introduce students to possible research areas and build a sense of community among a diverse group of young mathematicians. More information can be found on our website.
The University of Utah Directed Reading Program in mathematics partners undergraduate students with graduate mentors to pursue independent reading projects during the semester. In the past, I've worked with students to read about algebraic geometry, complex analysis, and mathematical logic. The program is not currently running, but more information about the program can be found here.
JWB 212
petermm2 [at] uic [dot] edu
Department of MathematicsUniversity of Illinois, Chicago 851 S Morgan St Chicago, IL 60647