Selected talks and lectures

This page contains a selection of slides and recorded lectures related to my research.

Exponential algebra and integration in finite terms

Integration in finite terms and exponentially algebraic functions

Joint work with Jonathan Kirby.

We study integration in finite terms for exponentially algebraic functions. Our results extend classical theorems of Abel and Liouville and connect questions from differential algebra, exponential algebra, and functional transcendence.

Preprint · Slides — DART XII, Kassel, April 2024 · Slides — CIRM, 30 September 2024 · Video — Kolchin Seminar


Algebraic vector fields and strong minimality

On the density of strongly minimal algebraic vector fields

Strong minimality is a central model-theoretic notion in differential algebra. In this work, I prove that generic algebraic vector fields in arbitrary dimension define strongly minimal and geometrically trivial differential equations. Together with work of Devilbiss and Freitag, this resolves a question going back to Poizat.

Preprint · Slides — DART XI, London, June 2023 · Video — Kolchin Seminar


Algebraic independence of solutions

When any three solutions are independent

Joint work with James Freitag and Rahim Moosa.

Suppose that an algebraic differential equation admits a nontrivial algebraic relation among some finite collection of distinct nonalgebraic solutions and their derivatives. We prove that such a relation already occurs among three solutions. For autonomous equations over the constants, two solutions suffice.

Paper · Related lecture by Rahim Moosa — Fields Institute, 2021


Definable Galois theory and complex geometry

Galois groups of non-standard curves in CCM

This lecture presents a version of definable Galois theory in the model theory of compact complex manifolds. It explains, in dimension one, how Galois-theoretic methods can be used in the bimeromorphic classification of compact complex manifolds.

The underlying work is joint with Rahim Moosa.

Paper · Slides — Notre Dame Model Theory Seminar


Foliations and web geometry

Holomorphic foliations and webs provide geometric tools for carrying out parts of the model-theoretic analysis of algebraic differential equations. Understanding this interaction more systematically is a long-term theme of my research.

A model-theoretic invitation to web geometry

This lecture discusses the semiminimal analysis of two-dimensional types in the theories of compact complex manifolds and differentially closed fields.

Slides — Notre Dame Model Theory Seminar, 2020

Ax–Schanuel through holomorphic foliations

This lecture presents a proof of the Ax–Schanuel theorem using the language of holomorphic foliations.

Video — Brazil–France School on Foliation Theory, CIRM, 2024


Geodesic differential equations

A model-theoretic analysis of geodesic equations in negative curvature

This lecture studies geodesic differential equations associated with real algebraic Riemannian manifolds from the perspectives of differential algebra and model theory, with particular emphasis on negatively curved manifolds.

Slides — BIRS, 2020