Bio: Dr. Brett Jefferson is a senior data scientist and team lead of the Human Factors and Interactions team at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. He joined PNNL in 2018 after graduating from Indiana University’s Mathematical Psychology Laboratory. In his work, Brett focuses on studying patterns in complex data sets. Predominantly using topology, Brett maps patterns in data to observable and actionable behaviors from humans. By understanding these relationships Brett uncovers not only insight into human cognition, but also interesting mathematical constructions.

In addition to his technical work at PNNL, Brett also serves on the board of directors for the National Association of Mathematicians, Inc. NAM has a 50+ year history of support underrepresented groups in their mathematics education and career with a focus on African Americans. Brett began his second term in 2024.

Additional information can be found here.

Topics include:

Some Questions in Antihomology and Applications

The Vietoris Rips complex is well studied. However, what happens when the inequality is reversed? This talk will cover some findings by myself and others around persistent homology of this construction and where it may be useful in the real world.

Changing Directions: Building a Unique Career within and outside of Mathematics

This talk will discuss non-academic career paths with a background or degree in mathematics. I’ll have heavy emphasis on what a career at a national laboratory is like and also touch on themes of navigating graduate school, being black in the mathematical sciences, and the value of work-life balance