Bernard Deconinck

Boeing Professor of Applied Mathematics
Adjunct Professor of Mathematics

Bernard and Dubs
Address: University of Washington
Department of Applied Mathematics
Seattle, WA 98195-3925, USA
E-mail: deconinc@uw.edu
Zoom: https://washington.zoom.us/my/deconinck
Office: Lewis 327
Office Hours: Check my schedule
CV: Curriculum Vita

Teaching

In the Autumn Quarter of 2026, I am teaching Amath573, Nonlinear Waves and Coherent Structures.

I (intermittently) coordinate the Applied PDE seminar: youtube channel

Lecture notes for courses: Differential Equations (U; unfinished), PDEs and Waves (U), Dynamical Systems (U), Complex Variables (G), Partial Differential Equations (G), Dynamical Systems (G).

Research

 I am interested in applying mathematics to physical problems, especially nonlinear wave phenomena. In the past, I have studied problems related to Bose-Einstein Condensates, Fluid Mechanics, Plasma Physics and Lattice Dynamics. I use and develop both analytical and numerical methods. I have done this using a variety of mathematical techniques from such different fields as Integrable Systems and Solitons, Dynamical Systems, Hamiltonian Dynamics, Riemann Surfaces and Algebraic Geometry, Lie Algebras, Complex Variables, Asymptotics and Perturbation theory. More detail, including links to my publications, can be found on my research page .

Some of my work with Katie Oliveras, leading to significant results by others, was highlighted in Quanta magazine in 2025. That article got many (non scientific) details wrong. We have posted a version with our corrections.

Together with Levent Batakci and John Carter, I am organizing the first Pacific Waves conference.

Information for prospective students

Each year, I get about 500 emails from students and postdocs who are interested in joining my research group, asking for various kinds of information. Many of these messages propose a zoom meeting. Although your interest in joining us here is flattering, I am sure you understand I do not have the bandwidth to entertain these zoom requests or respond to those 500 emails. You can send me messages with information, but please do not expect a reply to any message you send me about wanting to join my group.
  1. Yes, I am taking on new students.
  2. Faculty members in our department do not decide which students are admitted to our graduate programs. This is a departmental decision . Ms. Sarah Riley (sjriley@uw.edu) can answer any additional questions you may have.
  3. I do not have any funding for postdoctoral fellows. However, our department hires a number of Pearson Fellows each year. Pearson fellows have a low teaching load and work in one or more research groups in the department. These competitive positions are advertized on Mathjobs and elsewhere in the fall.