John Hempel
American mathematician and topologist (1935–2022)
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John Paul Hempel (October 14, 1935 – January 13, 2022[1]) was an American mathematician specialising in geometric topology.
BornOctober 14, 1935
DiedJanuary 13, 2022 (aged 86)
SpouseEdith Hempel
John Hempel | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 14, 1935 |
| Died | January 13, 2022 (aged 86) |
| Alma mater | University of Utah University of Wisconsin-Madison |
| Spouse | Edith Hempel |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Mathematics |
| Institutions | Rice University |
| Thesis | A surface in S3 is tame if it can be deformed into each complementary domain (1962) |
| R. H. Bing | |
Early life and career
Hempel was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1957 he graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in mathematics. In 1962, he defended his thesis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, under the supervision of R. H. Bing.[2] He was a professor at Rice University until the time of his death.[1]
In 2013, Hempel was elected a fellow of the American Mathematical Society.[3]
Research
He also introduced the study of the curve complex into 3-manifold topology.[4]
Hempel wrote a book about 3-manifolds in 1976.[5]