Kianoosh Shokri

My name is Kianoosh Shokri. I am a mathematician specializing in combinatorial designs, graph theory, and discrete mathematics, with strong connections to finite fields and finite geometry. I am currently a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Ottawa. My work integrates research and teaching, with a particular focus on undergraduate education, problem-based learning, and accessible research projects in discrete mathematics. I am committed to fostering mathematical thinking, collaboration, and inclusivity in the classroom.

About my research:
In my Ph.D. work, I use the rich structures of finite geometry and finite fields to develop new constructions of covering arrays. These arrays play a central role in t-way interaction testing in software engineering, cryptography, and experimental design, where they significantly reduce test size while maintaining full coverage.

Key motivation in my research:
Throughout my master’s and Ph.D. studies, I have worked on open problems that required connecting different areas of mathematics. My Ph.D. research involves applying ideas from finite fields, finite geometry, and combinatorial designs to create novel constructions that meet specific goals. In my master’s research, I explored properties of finite groups to design systematic colorings that achieve the chromatic number of Latin squares derived from those groups. The excitement of exploring deep connections between different mathematical areas centered around open problems is what first sparked, and continues to drive, my passion for research.

Key motivation in my teaching:
Teaching mathematics is a journey through both my own thinking and my students’ minds. The way we approach and solve problems reveals the hidden structures of mathematics and inspires the creation of new ideas and areas within it.