I am Assistant Professor in Mathematics at the University of Ottawa, starting September 1, 2026. I work on algebras of operators on Hilbert space, random matrices, and quantum information. In particular, I study the interaction of free probability and random matrices in the large n limit, with connections to structural properties of von Neumann algebras, optimal transport theory, and continuous model theory. See my research here.
I am also working with Matthew McMillan on translating several works of Leibniz from Latin into English.
Quick Links
- Curriculum Vitae (PDF)
- Research Statement (PDF)
- ORCID: 0000-0002-8580-5064
- arXiv record
- Working groups and learning resources
- Leibniz’s Analysis Situs translation project
Career history:
- 2011-2015 University of Washington B.S. Math, B.A. (Greek and Roman) Classics
- 2015-2020 Ph.D. student at UCLA with Dimitri Shlyakhtenko.
- 2020-2023 NSF postdoc and lecturer at UCSD with Todd Kemp.
- 2023-2024 Postdoc at Fields Institute and York University with Ilijas Farah.
- 2024-2026 Postdoc at University of Copenhagen with Magdalena Musat and Mikael Rørdam. Marie Curie fellowship starting 2025-04-01.
- 2026- Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa.
Contact:
djekel@uottawa.ca, davidjekel@gmail.com
Please do not use my old Copenhagen, Fields, or UCSD emails accounts because they are no longer active.