Dmitri Aleksandrovich Kazhdan, better known as David Kazhdan, was born on June 20, 1946 in Moscow, Russia. He was raised in a family with a strong academic background, as his father, Alexander Kazhdan, was a renowned historian. From a young age, Kazhdan displayed a natural aptitude for mathematics and quickly excelled in the subject.
After completing his secondary education, Kazhdan went on to pursue a degree in mathematics at Moscow State University. It was during his time at the university that he discovered his passion for abstract algebra, specifically in the field of representation theory.
Upon graduating from Moscow State University, Kazhdan began his academic career as a professor at Harvard University. He spent nearly three decades at Harvard, where he became known for his groundbreaking work in representation theory. During his time at Harvard, Kazhdan made significant contributions to several mathematical concepts and theories, including the Kazhdan–Lusztig polynomial, the Kazhdan–Margulis theorem, and Kazhdan's property (T).
In the early 2000s, Kazhdan made the decision to relocate to Israel, where he joined the faculty of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His move to Israel marked a new chapter in his career, allowing him to continue his research and mentor a new generation of mathematicians.
Throughout his career, Kazhdan has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the field of mathematics. In 2012, he was awarded the prestigious Israel Prize in Mathematics, recognizing his outstanding achievements in the field. He was also named a recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship, further solidifying his status as one of the leading mathematicians of his generation.
Despite his numerous accomplishments in academia, Kazhdan remains a humble and down-to-earth individual. He is known for his dedication to his work and his willingness to collaborate with other mathematicians on research projects. In his free time, Kazhdan enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the rich history and culture of Israel.
Grigori Perelman, another prominent Russian-Jewish mathematician, has cited Kazhdan as a major influence on his own work. The two mathematicians share a deep respect for each other's contributions to the field and have collaborated on several research projects over the years.
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