Robert Schneider

Biography

I am a Ph.D. graduate of Emory University (2018), having worked under the supervision of Ken Ono.

My research interests lie primarily in number theory and combinatorics, in particular the theory of partitions, special functions in the orbit of modular forms (q-series mock theta functions, quantum modular forms), and analytic number theory (prime distribution, Riemann zeta function, arithmetic functions, arithmetic density).

Other active interests include physics (statistical physics, acoustics), mathematical music theory, computational number theory, computational chemistry, history of mathematics, ethnomathematics, philosophy, Egyptology, poetry, astronomy, visual and conceptual art, sound sculpture and electronics.

In collaboration with experimental composer Michael G. Maxwell on the Visual and Performing Arts faculty, I sponsor the MTU Mathematics and Music Lab (MML).  The goals of the MML are to produce futuristic works of music and installation art, explore music theory using mathematics, and invent new audio hardware and software. 

I am also an indie-pop musician, composer of instrumental and experimental music, recording studio producer/engineer, and co-founder of the elephant 6 Recording Co., a collective of musicians and artists.  I invented a "non-Pythagorean" musical scale based on logarithms, and used it to compose music.  I also invented a mind-controlled synthesizer, and used it to compose music.  Apparently my Erdos-Bacon-Sabbath (EBS) number is 6 = 2 + 2 + 2.

Please reach out to me if you have any questions, interest or work in mathematics, music or other fields you would like to share with me.