Andrew Dykstra

Andrew Dykstra's research is in dynamical systems. He is especially interested in symbolic dynamics and ergodic theory. Dykstra earned his doctorate from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree from Carleton College. Before joining the Hamilton faculty, he spent two years as the Yates Postdoctoral Fellow at Colorado State University.

Whether through card games or devilish math problems, Dykstra loves helping to provide social outlets for students.

Recent Courses Taught

• Pre-Calculus
• Calculus I & II
• Advanced Calculus I & II
• Vector Calculus
• Introduction to Probability
• Topology I
• Linear Algebra
• Ordinary Differential Equations
• Partial Differential Equations
• Advanced Calculus of One Variable (Real Analysis I)
• Advanced Analysis (Real Analysis II)
• Senior Seminar in Dynamical Systems

Research Interests

Dynamical systems, ergodic theory, symbolic dynamics

Distinctions

• John R. Hatch Excellence in Teaching Award, Hamilton College, 2012
• Best Teacher Award (nominated by students), Colorado State University Alumni Association, 2008
• Distinguished Teaching Assistant Award, University of Maryland Center for Teaching Excellence, 2007
• First place, Excellence in Teaching Award for Graduate Assistants, University of Maryland Mathematics Department, 2006
• VIGRE Dissertation Fellowship, fall 2005 and spring 2006
• Goldhaber Travel Grant, summer 2005
• Honorable mention, Excellence in Teaching Award for Graduate Assistants, University of Maryland Mathematics Department, 2002
• Magna cum laude, Carleton College, 2001

Selected Publications

• "The Morse minimal system is nearly continuously Kakutani equivalent to the binary odometer," with Ayse Sahin, to appear in J. Anal. Math., 37 pages.
• "Topological conjugacy to given constant length substitution minimal systems," with Ethan M. Coven, Michelle LeMasurier, and Michael Keane, Indag. Math. (N.S.) 25 (2014), no. 4, 646-651.
• "A short proof of a theorem of Cobham on substitutions," with Ethan M. Coven and Michelle LeMasurier, Rocky Mountain J. Math. 44 (2014), no. 1, 19-22.
• "Any two irrational rotations are nearly continuously Kakutani equivalent," with Daniel J. Rudolph, J. Anal. Math. 110 (2010), 339-384.
• "Two equivalence relations in symbolic dynamics," Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Maryland, College Park, 2007, 57 pages. 
• "Weak equivalence for shifts of finite type," with Joseph Barth, Indag. Math. (N.S.) 18 (2007), no. 4, 495-506.
• "Right closing almost conjugacy for G-shifts of finite type," Colloq. Math. 104 (2006), no. 2, 207-221.

College Service

Student Activities Committee
Society of Actuaries representative
Hamilton Mathletics (coach)
Bridge and Pinochle Club (faculty advisor)
Rainbow Alliance (faculty advisor)
Fine Dining Club (faculty advisor)

Appointed to the Faculty

Educational Background

Ph.D., University of Maryland
B.A., Carleton College

Personal Interests

Piano