Stoyan Dimitrov – Mathematics, Probability, Combinatorics & Algorithms Blog

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.