College of Science names Sarah Reznikoff as chair of Department of Mathematics
The Virginia Tech College of Science has named Sarah Reznikoff as chair of its Department of Mathematics, where she will step into the role previously held by interim chair Peter Haskell.
Reznikoff started the position Aug. 10 from Kansas State University, where she was a professor of mathematics, directed the graduate program, and previously served as interim associate dean of the graduate school.
“Dr. Reznikoff has an outstanding record in research, education, and public service, and she is highly engaged in the math community nationally and internationally,” said Kevin Pitts, dean of the College of Science. “We are thrilled to have her join us and look forward to working with her to continue the mathematics department’s upward trajectory.”
The mathematics department has more than 280 undergraduate students, 64 graduate students, eight post-doctoral faculty, and 114 faculty and staff. Last year, the department taught more than 70,000 student credit hours and awarded 74 bachelor’s degrees, 11 master’s degrees, and seven doctoral degrees.
Reznikoff earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of California at Berkeley, a master’s in mathematics from UCLA, and her doctorate from University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on operator algebras, which is used in the study and development of quantum mechanics.
While at Kansas State, she represented the graduate school on the Committee on Academic Policy and Procedures, served on the International Advisory Council, the Associate Dean’s Research Council, the Committee on Academic Policy and Procedures, and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry Committee, among many other roles.
“I am excited for the chance to lead the Virginia Tech Department of Mathematics,” Reznikoff said. “Mathematics courses are critical to undergraduate learning not only in the College of Science but across the university, and our faculty are critical to interdisciplinary research on an array of important issues.”
