Daniel Kraus

Education & Employment Background

I graduated from the University at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo) in 2014 with a PhD in mathematics (dissertation: Vector Nonlinear Schrödinger Systems with Nonzero Boundary Conditions). I also worked at SUNY Buffalo as a teaching assistant, grader, and instructor. After graduation, I worked in market research before returning to academia as a research assistant / instructor at Brock University and then an assistant professor at SUNY Oswego. I joined the faculty at the University of Guelph in 2019.

Research Themes

General Description

My two main areas of research are nonlinear waves and pedagogy. Nonlinear waves and their associated differential equations are used to model various phenomena ranging from ocean waves and Bose-Einstein condensates to the ebbs and flows of finances. While numerical methods can be used to examine these equations, exact solutions are derived through the inverse scattering transform (a nonlinear analogue of the Fourier transform). My pedagogical research focuses on student experiences under various course-delivery options (face to face, live remote, pre-recorded remote, and distance education). My colleagues and I have been gathering data via student surveys to expand on this topic.

Current Research Themes

• Pedagogy – Exploring student experiences with various course-delivery options as well as the effect of the instructor’s attitude and awareness of student needs on student performance and desire to participate.
• Nonlinear waves – A blend of partial differential equations, linear algebra, and complex analysis that applies to various observable phenomena.