Laura is on leave for the fall 2025 semester. Please contact the department chair, Katy Ott, for time sensitive questions.

Photo of Laura S. Storch

Laura S. Storch

Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Associations

Mathematics

View office locations in Directory

207-777-6705 lstorch@bates.edu

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

Senior Thesis

MATH 458

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

MATH 495O

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…