Homepage for Peter Dukes

I am an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Victoria.

Here is my picture and my CV. My co-ordinates are below.

Research

In general, I love interesting mathematics in many areas. Typically I research combinatorics by way of algebraic, analytic, or computational methods. Specific research topics often reflect the interests of my students or colleagues.

Here is my Faces of UVic Research video, where I mention in broad terms how combinatorics has applications to today's information-based problems. (Warning: for the non-mathematician's consumption only!)

Some publications:

  • Semidefinite programming for permutation codes
  • Nonexistence results for tight block designs
  • Sidon-type conditions for set systems
  • list of other articles and reviews on MathSciNet (library credentials required)
  • my updated doctoral thesis

    Recent talks:

  • Fractional Decompositions
  • Convexity and Designs
  • Injection Codes

    Conferences/Workshops:

  • I recently attended the Shanghai Conference on Algebraic Combinatorics from 17 to 22 August, 2012.
  • I was co-organizer of a designs and codes minisymposium at the 2011 CanaDAM, hosted here at UVic from 31 May to 3 June, 2011.
  • I was co-organizer of BIRS workshop 08w5098 on Combinatorial Design Theory in November 2008.

    Teaching

    My philosophy toward teaching leads me to reveal a little bit of mathematical beauty alongside our otherwise mundane (but thorough) coverage of the curriculum. Whether you're a future Field's medal winner or just needing a first-year credit, I believe you can appreciate that beauty. Either it motivates you to explore and learn more, or, at a minimum, it helps you remember the basic structures and algorithms you need.

    Finally and most importantly, I aim to treat my students with respect and fairness.

    2012-13 courses:

  • fall term Math 585 (seminar)
  • spring term Math 413 (applied algebra)
  • spring term Math 422 (combinatorial mathematics)

    Mathematics Competitions:

  • The 2012 William Lowell Putnam Mathematics competition was on Saturday, 1 December.
  • The UVic Math Competition is held annually, near the start of fall term. Here are the last few question papers: 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006
  • More information can be found at Ahmed Sourour's webpage.

    Contact information

    E-mail: dukes -at- uvic -dot- ca

    Telephone: (250) 472-4272
    Fax: (250) 721-8962

    Office: SSM A525

    Department of Mathematics and Statistics
    University of Victoria
    Box 3060, STN CSC
    Victoria, BC V8W 3R4
    Canada