CAREER: Threshold Phenomena for Random Discrete Structures and Asymptotic Enumeration Problems

NSF Award Search · 01002930DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $450,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This project explores questions at the intersection of combinatorics and probability, with connections to other fields. A significant focus is on gaining deeper insights into random discrete structures, particularly analyzing the locations of phase transitions (e.g., the molecular changes when water freezes into ice). These are important phenomena in various areas such as statistical physics, theoretical computer science, and network science, as they define the boundary between two phases with distinct properties. Recent advancements in this field have been groundbreaking, and the PI has been committed to advancing the innovative tools developed in recent years. The project will involve both graduate and undergraduate students in research. This project addresses two areas of research. The first focuses on the threshold phenomena of random discrete structures. The primary objectives of the project in this topic are to prove the ``Second" Kahn-Kalai Conjecture, which was the original motivation for the Kahn-Kalai Conjecture, and to prove a conjecture of Talagrand that concerns the suprema of certain classes of stochastic processes. To tackle these challenges, the PI aims to test the strengths and limitations of the methods developed in recent breakthrough results in this field, including some that the PI has contributed to. The second area investigates asymptotic enumeration problems on expander graphs. Various techniques - including entropy methods from information theory,

Key facts

NSF award ID
2443706
Awardee
New York University (NY)
SAM.gov UEI
NX9PXMKW5KW8
PI
Jinyoung Park
Primary program
01002930DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev
Estimated total
$450,000
Funds obligated
$240,606
Transaction type
Continuing Grant
Period
07/01/2025 → 06/30/2030