Sarah Spence Adams, Ph.D
Assistant Professor of Mathematics

781-292-2536
sarah.adams@olin.edu
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Dr. Sarah Spence Adams joined Olin College from Cornell University. She earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Mathematics from Cornell, where she was also a member of the Wireless Intelligent Systems Laboratory in the Department of Electrical Engineering. She earned her B.S. from the University of Richmond, where she was a Clare Boothe Luce Research Fellow. She graduated summa cum laude with departmental honors in Mathematics and minors in Physics and French. Algebraic coding theory is Dr. Adams' primary area of research. In part, this area of research uses mathematics and electrical engineering to develop error-control codes. For example, CDs use error-control codes so that a CD player can read data even if it has been corrupted by imperfections on the CD. Dr. Adams recently wrote a short book on algebraic coding theory that is used to introduce applications to abstract algebra classes.

Dr. Adams' current research focuses on space-time block codes, which provide an alternate means for increasing the reliability of wireless communications. She is also working in the area of high-dimension subspace subcodes of generalized Reed-Solomon codes.

Dr. Adams is dedicated to working with students on their academic, professional, and personal development. She is also an ExxonMobil Fellow in the Mathematical Association of America's Project NExT (New Experiences in Teaching).

Non-academic research experience includes working at the National Security Agency on classified projects. Non-academic teaching experience includes teaching gymnastics and Lindy Hop, the original form of swing dancing. She has taught and performed Lindy Hop all across the USA and Europe.
 
 
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