May 15, 2023

By Katya Hrichak

Selected from some of the best emerging scientists around the world, applied mathematics doctoral candidate Carlos Martinez has been named one of 2023’s Schmidt Science Fellows.

The Schmidt Science Fellows program places recent Ph.D. graduates from the natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, and computing disciplines in a one- to two-year postdoctoral position. During their placement, fellows focus on collaborative, interdisciplinary research that marks a pivot from their doctoral studies.

“It is a tremendous opportunity to advance my career goals,” said Martinez. “It gives me the freedom to take a risk and pivot into an area of mathematics different from that of my Ph.D., without any set expectations other than my commitment to an ambitious line of research.”

At Cornell, Martinez’s research focuses on discrete mathematics, its real-world applications, and its foundations in optimization and combinatorics. As a Schmidt Science Fellow, he will pursue research into algorithmic fairness and algorithmic game theory with the goal of developing mathematical foundations to support the design of equitable public infrastructure.

“To me, applied mathematics offers a nice balance between basic and translational research,” he said. “I like working on applied problems because of the opportunity to make progress toward important societal goals.”

The Schmidt Science Fellows program is an initiative of Schmidt Futures, delivered in partnership with the Rhodes Trust. Learn more about the program on the Schmidt Science Fellows website.