K-State mathematics professor David Auckly honored as 2025 University Distinguished Professor
David Auckly, professor of mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been named a 2025 University Distinguished Professor, the highest academic title awarded by Kansas State University. | Download this photo.
David Auckly, professor of mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences, loves to share math with people at all levels. For his outstanding commitment to education and leadership, Auckly has been named a 2025 University Distinguished Professor, the highest academic title awarded by Kansas State University.
Auckly is known for his research in geometric topology, mathematical physics and control theory as well as his continuous work in mathematics outreach and education. He joined the K-State faculty in 1997.
At K-State, Auckly works with students at all levels, including three current doctoral students. He said mentoring and teaching are central aspects of his academic work.
"Mathematics is infinite in all directions," he said. "Some results make headlines, while others are less visible but still contribute to the broader body of knowledge. It can be difficult to predict which discoveries will have applications in other areas."
Auckly is co-founder and director of the Navajo Nation Math Circles project, which has provided mathematics enrichment and professional development for teachers and students in the Diné community since 2012. The project was featured in the PBS-aired documentary "Navajo Math Circles" and has received national attention for its approach to STEM education.
Auckly has been awarded many grants, including 12 from the National Science Foundation. His research contributions include solving two separate long-standing problems from the well-known Kirby Problem list, a set of important open questions in topology. His work has also been supported by a semester-long appointment as a research professor at the Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute in 2022.
Auckly began his academic path with an interest in architecture and aerospace engineering before discovering mathematics as a field of study in college. He said his research has evolved to include many theoretical and applied topics.
"Work hard and talk with people," Auckly said. "It is possible to control how much you work, and hard work pays off. I'm very lucky because I love what I do, so the time I spend feels like play, not work. People are wonderful. Listening and sharing with others has enriched every aspect of my life."
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Pascal Hitzler is noted for research in artificial intelligence and data, and for leading the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.
Anna Marie Wytko is honored for her contributions as a saxophonist and educator in performance and instruction.
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