John Hempel
John Paul Hempel was an American mathematician specialising in geometric topology.
Early life and career
Hempel was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1957 he graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in mathematics. In 1962, he defended his thesis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, under the supervision of R. H. Bing. He was a professor at Rice University until the time of his death.In 2013, Hempel was elected a fellow of the American Mathematical Society.
Research
He also introduced the study of the curve complex into 3-manifold topology.Hempel wrote a book about 3-manifolds in 1976.