Nicolas Bridges was born to Ana Zorzopulos-Bridges, a first-generation immigrant from Argentina. He did
his undergraduate degree in pure mathematics at the University of Arkansas and is now a Ph.D.
candidate at Purdue University. During his time at Purdue, he has focused heavily on research and
teaching, both of which are exemplified by his accomplishments: he has won the two most prestigious
teaching awards for graduate students, and he is in the process of writing a paper, the results of which
were proven in his third year. Nicolas is dedicated to his students, especially those from underprivileged
or minority backgrounds. He wants to continue this work throughout his career, ensuring that mathematics
gains the insight and creativity from those from unconventional backgrounds.

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Nicolas is studying mathematical physics under the supervision of Shawn Cui. Nicolas’ research is
broadly in the area of quantum topology. He is interested in low-dimensional topology, topological
quantum field theory, and Hopf algebras. Recently he has been interested in three-manifold invariants
from Hopf algebras. He is also working with Eric Samperton on a project in Dijkgraaf-Witten theory, a
topological quantum field theory arising from groups. He is in the process of writing a paper that
generalizes a strong invariant of three-manifolds from Hopf algebras known as the Kuperberg invariant.
This generalization binds together two well-known invariants and is sufficiently generalized to provide an
infinite number of new invariants as well. While this is his first contribution to the mathematical
community, it is nonetheless an important step towards unifying many different invariants from topological
quantum field theories. Nicolas is also focused on generalizing the Kuperberg invariant in another way: he
wants to generalize it to weak Hopf algebras. This particular research is still in its infancy, but if done,
would be a major contribution to the area of quantum topology. Nicolas’ main goal is to learn and grow,
but he also wants to contribute to the understanding of four-dimensional invariants from topological
quantum field theory.

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Nicolas Bridges is a graduate teaching assistant at Purdue University. Throughout his three years, he
taught calculus 2 for engineering students, linear algebra and differential equations, applied calculus 1,
and mathematics for elementary school teachers. He received exceptional teaching reviews from his
students every semester and received top marks from his supervisors for his clarity, inclusiveness, and
strong ability to foster class engagement through group work and one-on-one help. Nicolas has received
two awards for his success: the Graduate School Excellence in Teach Award and the Purdue Teaching
Academy Graduate Teaching Award. These awards are given to graduate students who have shown
excellence in teaching and outstanding dedication to their students’ education.

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“Hispanic Heritage Month reminds me of the richness of my community and the important contributions I
see every day from Hispanic mathematicians both at Purdue and elsewhere. Mathematics is difficult, and
to succeed one needs to be diligent, resilient, and creative. Hispanic Heritage Month reminds me of the
diligence, resilience, and creativity of the community that helped shape who I am as both a teacher and a
mathematician. It is a reminder of the strength found in cultural unity and of the endless possibilities when
members of a widely diverse community come together in pursuit of knowledge.”

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