Kaitlin Hill, Ph.D.

Kaitlin Hill, Ph.D., is an applied mathematician, with research interests in applied dynamical systems and mathematical modeling. She joined St. Mary’s University in 2022. Prior to joining St. Mary’s, she was a Teacher-Scholar Postdoctoral Fellow at Wake Forest University and a MathCEP Postdoctoral Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

Hill is interested in understanding the dynamics of mathematical models in ways that can lend insight into both their scientific application and dynamical systems theory. Mathematically, she uses tools from dynamical systems, variational calculus, and stochastic processes to understand bifurcation and tipping behavior in systems of differential equations (ODEs, SDEs, and PDEs) and networks. Frequently the systems she analyzes are piecewise-smooth, which leads to fascinating mathematical phenomena like non-uniqueness and discontinuity-induced bifurcations.

Hill enjoys working with mathematical models of all types. She primarily works with conceptual models of geophysical and sociological systems, but she is generally interested in models that can gain insight into issues of equity and climate change. Hill enjoys collaborating with students on these and other topics; she has also collaborated with students on projects in mathematical epidemiology and theoretical dynamical systems.