James Jensen
Vertex Operator Algebras and the Monster
The project would involve working through the text “Vertex operator algebras and the Monster” by Igor Frenkel, James Lepowsky, and Arne Meurman in order to gain an understanding of vertex operator algebras, and the construction of the Monster group using the moonshine module.
James Jensen
The University of Western Australia
James Jensen is a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) student at the University of Western Australia with majors in Mathematics and Physics. James had originally envisaged a career in computer science, but fell in love with the beauty of mathematical abstraction when they were introduced to category theory. Since then they have developed a passion for all things algebra, with particular interests in algebraic topology, mathematical logic, group theory, and applications in mathematical physics. James is fluent in German, having taken classes in algebraic topology and Old Norse (among other things) while on exchange in Tübingen in 2023. In 2024, they undertook an undergraduate research placement with Dr. John Bamberg focusing on a construction of an exceptional isomorphism between the finite simple groups PSL₄(2) and A₈, using the Klein correspondence of projective geometry. Outside of their degree, their interests include linguistics, philosophy, classical music, and jazz. James looks forward to commencing honours in Pure Mathematics at UWA in 2025 under the supervision of Dr. John Bamberg.
