Benjamin Elias
University of Oregon
2017 New Horizons in Mathematics Prize
For pioneering work in geometric representation theory, including the development of Hodge theory for Soergel bimodules and the proof of the Kazhdan-Lusztig conjectures for general Coxeter groups.
Comments
I have somehow managed to surround myself, in both math and the real world, with wonderful friends and collaborators, without whom my life would feel considerably emptier. Math first: I would like to begin by thanking Geordie Williamson for his collaboration and friendship. Both have been transformative for me. Thanks to: my PhD advisor Mikhail Khovanov, who always knew the right way to think (which was usually far outside the box). To my undergraduate advisor Ramin Takloo-Bighash, without whose humor and enthusiasm I might not have been a mathematician today. To my many colleagues and friends in the math world, especially my other long-standing and on-going collaborators, You Qi and Matt Hogancamp. Now the real world. I need to thank my parents Anthony and Ellen first for their endless love and support. There are no better role models. To Dan and Sarah, the siblings who suffered me their whole lives, and the rest of my warm and welcoming family, thank you. So many friends, no space to thank you all here as you deserve. Lastly but of course sublimely, to my greatest collaborator of all, Yeppie (I love you dearly), and my greatest collaboration, Julian, thank you both in advance for the dream to come.
