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

Broadly speaking, I am interested in algebraic, analytic, and computational methods for determining the existence and properties of combinatorial structures, such as designs, codes, and graphs. For instance, I am often investigating certain combinatorial matrix algebras. Specific research topics usually reflect the interests of my co-authors or students.

Some publications:

  • Nonexistence results for tight block designs
  • Rational decomposition of dense hypergraphs
  • list of other articles and reviews on MathSciNet (library credentials required)
  • my updated doctoral thesis

    Recent talks:

  • Tight designs
  • Asymptotic existence of designs
  • Injection codes
  • Designs and the cone condition

    Conferences/Workshops:

  • I recently attended the GDAC and PDMW conferences, both in Regina, from 18 to 23 July, 2011.
  • 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.

    2011-12 courses:

  • fall term Math 122 (logic and foundations)
  • fall term Math 366 (geometry)
  • spring term Math 413 (applied algebra)
  • spring term Math 422 (combinatorial mathematics)

    Mathematics Competitions:

  • The 2011 William Lowell Putnam Mathematics competition was held on 3 December 2011.
  • Here is the 2011 UVic Competition question paper.
  • More information can be found at Ahmed Sourour's webpage.

    Contact information

    E-mail: d u k e s @ u v i c . c a

    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