Laura S. Storch
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Associations
Mathematics
About
Laura Storch completed her PhD in Applied Mathematics in 2017 at the University of New Hampshire. After completion of her PhD, she was a postdoctoral scholar at William & Mary and Oregon State University. Laura’s research falls broadly within the topic of theoretical ecology, with an emphasis on studying spatial pattern change and ecological transitions using topological data analysis.
If you are a student with an interest in mathematical ecology research, please feel free to reach out. In collaboration with faculty at William & Mary, Laura has co-advised undergraduate summer research projects for several summers.
Expertise
Current Courses
Winter Semester 2026
Chaotic Dynamical Systems
The field of dynamical systems is best understood from both theoretical and computational viewpoints, as each informs the other. Students explore attracting and repelling cycles and witness the complicated dynamics and chaos a simple function can exhibit. Topics include chaos in discrete versus cont…
Senior Thesis
Prior to entrance into MATH 458, students must submit a proposal for the work they intend to undertake toward completion of a thesis. Open to all majors upon approval of the proposal. Required of candidates for honors. Students register for MATH 458 in the winter semester.
Introduction to Computational Topology
Students will explore various types of data using topological data analysis (TDA). TDA allows us to quantify certain features of data that are preserved under deformation such as stretching and folding. The course will have a heavy computational component, where students will work collaboratively to…
Short Term 2026
Mathematical Image Processing
This course introduces mathematical methods in digital image processing, including basic image processing tools and techniques with an emphasis on their mathematical foundations. Students implement the theory using MATLAB. Topics may include image filtering, image enhancement, edge detection, and im…
Fall Semester 2026
Numerical Analysis
This course studies the best ways to perform calculations that have already been developed in other mathematics courses. For instance, if a computer is to be used to approximate the value of an integral, one must understand both how quickly an algorithm can produce a result and how trustworthy that …
Differential Equations
A differential equation is a relationship between a function and its derivatives. Many real-world situations can be modeled using these relationships. This course is a blend of the mathematical theory behind differential equations and their applications. The emphasis is on first- and second-order li…
Senior Thesis
Prior to entrance into MATH 457, students must submit a proposal for the work they intend to undertake toward completion of a thesis. Open to all majors upon approval of the proposal. Required of candidates for honors. Students register for MATH 457 in the fall semester.