Axel Saenz Rodriguez, Ph.D.

Axel Saenz Rodriguez is assistant professor in the mathematics department at Oregon State University. He works on probability theory and mathematical physics related to models in non-equilibrium statistical and quantum mechanics. Saenz Rodriguez develops exact formulas suitable for scaling analysis, in space and time, through a wide variety of mathematical tools in algebra, geometry, representation theory, combinatorics, complex analysis and functional analysis. His research focuses on the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) universality class, a collection of probability processes with emergent limiting random behavior given by the “KPZ fixed point” that arises in a wide class of one-dimensional processes with competing dynamics from short-range interactions and smoothing mechanisms. Saenz Rodriguez’s research aims to obtain a mathematically-friendly characterization and concrete applications for the KPZ universality class.

As a Simons Foundation Pivot Fellow, Saenz Rodriguez will use his expertise in integrable probability and exact asymptotic analysis of models in non-equilibrium statistical and quantum mechanics to bridge the gap between theory and experiments for two-dimensional quantum magnetic materials. He will be mentored by Eric Corwin and Oksana Ostroverkhova from the physics departments at the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, respectively. Corwin and Ostroverkhova will guide Saenz Rodriguez in scientific practices for high-performing numerical computations and experimental physics. The team will develop state-of-the-art, large-scale simulations of layered two-dimensional quantum spin chains to understand, predict and control properties for quantum materials. The team will test and validate the simulations through precise experiments — building a bridge between mathematical theory and physics experiments. Saenz Rodriguez and mentors will lay the groundwork and fundamental research to understand quantum materials for next-generation technology that is computationally powerful and clean energy oriented.