Degrees

Ph.D., M.S., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
B.A., Connecticut College

Research Interests

Geometry of two-step nilpotent manifolds, particularly distribution of closed geodesics
Lie symmetries acting on differential equations

Other Interests

Encouraging students, particularly those who are underrepresented in the field, to study mathematics. I enjoy exposing students to the beauty of mathematics, both inside and outside of the classroom.

I founded and direct the Career Mentoring Workshop (CaMeW) for women finishing their PhDs.  Through the workshop, we have mentored over 60 women at this critical transition point in their careers.  I continue to seek funding to support the workshop in future summers.

Publications

R. DeCoste and L. DeMeyer, "Totally Geodesic Subalgebras in 2-step Nilpotent Lie Algebras," preprint.

R. DeCoste, L. DeMeyer and M. Mast, "Characterizations of Heisenberg-like Lie Algebras," Journal of Lie Theory, Vol. 21, No 3. (2011).

R. DeCoste, "Closed Geodisics on Compact Nilmanifolds with Chevalley Rational Structure," manuscripta math. 127, 309-343 (2008).

R. DeCoste and L. Piscitelle, "Center Manifold and Lie Symmetry Calculations on a Quasi-chemical Model for Growth-death Kinetics in Food," arXiv:0704.1284.

R. DeCoste, "The multiplicity of weights in nonprimitive pairs of weights," preprint.

R. DeCoste and K. Huggins, "Reflections on Teaching Discrete Math for the First Time," inroads - The SIGCSE (ACM) Bulletin, Vol. 39, No. 2, June 2007.

R. DeCoste and K. Huggins, "Teaching Discrete Math for the First Time," Math CountS Column, inroads - The SIGCSE (ACM) Bulletin, Vol. 38, No. 4, December 2006.