Hello! I am Stoyan Dimitrov, and this is my personal site where I post my research, teaching insights, and personal experiences. This blog is ideal for anyone interested in mathematics, probability theory, combinatorics, and algorithms. Here, I will share what I do, who I am, and why these subjects matter to me.
About Stoyan Dimitrov
I am currently a Hill Assistant Professor (postdoc) in the Mathematics Department at Rutgers University, working under the mentorship of Doron Zeilberger, whose remarkable work in mathematics continues to inspire me.
Education
- PhD in Mathematics, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2022 (Advisor: Bridget Tanner)
- MS in Probability & Statistics, Sofia University, Bulgaria
- BS in Computer Science, Sofia University, Bulgaria
Research Interests
- Enumerative Combinatorics: Counting and arranging items in a set in different ways.
- Probability and Statistics, including machine learning: Studying patterns, success probabilities, and uncertainty.
- Algorithms: Designing fast and precise procedures to solve problems.
- Bijections: One-to-one relations, especially useful in combinatorial proofs.
Current Activities
I am not only focused on research; I also enjoy community building and education:
- Co-Organizer, Online Seminar on Open Problems in Combinatorics (Fall 2022) – A seminar for those eager to solve new problems and collaborate.
- Instructor, Mathematical Theory of Statistics (Spring 2024) – Teaching topics like hypothesis testing, estimation, distributions, variance, and coverage.
Published Work & Speaking Engagements
I have published several papers on combinatorial calculus and probability theory, and presented my work at various conferences and seminars.
Useful Sections on This Site
- Research Page – Summaries of my work, code, examples, and more.
- Teaching Thoughts – My approach to teaching and strategies that work best.
- YouTube Channel: Lesser-Known Math – Simplifying rare and overlooked mathematical topics.
My Views on Teaching
Teaching is more than sharing knowledge; it is about enhancing understanding and critical thinking. Some key principles I follow:
Teaching with Examples
I use small, relatable examples such as flipping coins, throwing dice, or drawing cards to explain concepts clearly.
Encourage Questioning and Discovery
I urge students to ask questions like:
- “What happens if this condition changes?”
- “Is there another way to demonstrate this?”
Teamwork and Interaction
Group discussions and problem-solving help students understand concepts more deeply.
Bibliography and Resources
I recommend supplementary books, research papers, blog articles, and videos. For beginners in combinatorial calculus, I suggest reading standard books and solving sample problems.
Life Outside Research
- Sports: Basketball, football, and other activities help me stay active.
- Cultural and Spiritual Life: Faith and spirituality provide mental balance.
- Recreation & Music: Reading, listening to music, and walking in nature refresh my mind and inspire new ideas.
Why This Website?
This site aims to:
- Inspire students and researchers to explore mathematics fearlessly.
- Show that you are not alone—many people face similar challenges.
- Demonstrate that mathematics is not just textbook exercises, but also analysis, creativity, and discovery.
I am always open to new ideas and discussions. You can contact me for research proposals, questions, or collaboration.
Conclusion
In short:
- I am a teacher, researcher, and lifelong learner.
- My work explores the intersection of combinatorial calculus, probability theory, and algorithms.
- Teaching is my passion—I aim to expand students’ understanding and curiosity.
- Life isn’t just about mathematics—sports, faith, music, and nature are essential for balance.
Suggested Next Steps on This Site:
- Explore the Research Page for publications and examples.
- Read Teaching Thoughts for insights into effective teaching.
- Watch some videos where mathematics is explained in a simple and entertaining way.