Alicia Dickenstein
Alicia Dickenstein | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 17, 1955 Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Occupation | Mathematician |
| Known for | Algebraic geometry, toric geometry, tropical geometry, applications in biology |
Alicia Dickenstein (born 17 January 1955 in Buenos Aires) is an Argentine mathematician whose expertise lies in algebraic geometry, with a focus on toric geometry, tropical geometry, and their utilization within biological contexts. She holds a full professorship at the University of Buenos Aires, was named a 2019 Fellow of the American Mathematical Society, served as vice-president of the International Mathematical Union from 2015 to 2018, and earned The World Academy of Sciences prize in 2015.
Research
Dickenstein acts as editor-in-chief for Revista de la Unión Matemática Argentina and contributes as a corresponding editor to the SIAM Journal on Applied Algebra and Geometry.
Her career includes distinguished appointments such as Eisenbud Professor (2009–2010) and Simons Professor (2012–2013) at the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute, along with serving as a Knut and Alice Wallenbergs Professor at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology during 2016.
Her investigations leverage tools from algebraic geometry and combinatorics to forecast biological system behaviors even when exact parameters are unavailable. Together with Mercedes Pérez Millán, she introduced The MESSI System (Modifications of the type-Enzyme-Substrate or Swap with Intermediates), which facilitates broad theoretical insights applicable to specific biochemical networks.
Education
Dickenstein completed her doctoral studies at the Universidad de Buenos Aires in 1982 under the supervision of Miguel E. M. Herrera.
Honors
The year 2015 saw Dickenstein honored with the TWAS Prize by The World Academy of Sciences for her scientific advancements benefiting developing nations.
In 2018, she was selected as a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society in recognition of her work in computational algebra, particularly within systems biology, as well as her leadership fostering diversity in mathematics. That same year, she attained Full Membership of the .
Dickenstein was designated a SIAM Fellow in 2020 for her impactful contributions to algebraic geometry applied to geometric modeling and biochemical reaction networks.
In 2021, she received the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Award for Latin America and the Caribbean, acknowledging her groundbreaking application of algebraic geometry to molecular biology. This work has enhanced comprehension of cellular architecture and biochemical processes by integrating pure and applied mathematics with physics and chemistry.
Her achievements were further recognized in 2023 when she was awarded the Platinum Konex Award for exceptional contributions to Mathematics over the preceding decade.
Leadership
In 2021, Dickenstein became a Member-at-Large on the Council of the SIAM.
Children's books
Dickenstein has authored children's literature including Mate max: la matemática en todas partes, which presents mathematical challenges tailored for young audiences.