# William Lawrence Kocay

> Canadian graph theorist

**Wikidata**: [Q8014361](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8014361)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Lawrence_Kocay)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/william-lawrence-kocay

## Summary
William Lawrence Kocay was a Canadian mathematician and graph theorist who contributed to computer science and graph theory. He was a professor at the University of Manitoba and served as the editor-in-chief of *Utilitas Mathematica*. His work in graph theory and his Erdős number of 2 highlight his influence in the field.

## Biography
- Born: 1901
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Waterloo (1979)
- Known for: Contributions to graph theory and computer science
- Employer(s): University of Manitoba (1979–2019)
- Field(s): Graph theory, computer science

## Contributions
William Lawrence Kocay made significant contributions to graph theory and computer science. He was a professor at the University of Manitoba, where he taught and conducted research. His work in graph theory, particularly in the study of graphs and their applications, earned him recognition in the field. Kocay also served as the editor-in-chief of *Utilitas Mathematica*, a journal focused on combinatorics and graph theory. His Erdős number of 2 indicates his collaboration with prominent mathematicians, including Paul Erdős. Additionally, he advised Andrei Gagarin, further extending his influence in the academic community.

## FAQs
### Q: What is William Lawrence Kocay known for?
A: William Lawrence Kocay is known for his contributions to graph theory and computer science, as well as his role as a professor at the University of Manitoba and editor-in-chief of *Utilitas Mathematica*.

### Q: Where did William Lawrence Kocay earn his doctorate?
A: William Lawrence Kocay earned his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Waterloo in 1979.

### Q: What was William Lawrence Kocay's Erdős number?
A: William Lawrence Kocay had an Erdős number of 2, indicating his collaboration with mathematicians who worked directly with Paul Erdős.

### Q: Who were some of William Lawrence Kocay's doctoral students?
A: Andrei Gagarin was one of William Lawrence Kocay's doctoral students.

### Q: What journal did William Lawrence Kocay serve as editor-in-chief of?
A: William Lawrence Kocay served as the editor-in-chief of *Utilitas Mathematica*, a journal focused on combinatorics and graph theory.

## Why They Matter
William Lawrence Kocay's work in graph theory and computer science has had a lasting impact on the academic community. His research and teaching at the University of Manitoba contributed to the development of graph theory, a branch of mathematics that studies the properties and applications of graphs. As editor-in-chief of *Utilitas Mathematica*, he played a crucial role in advancing the field by publishing and promoting research in combinatorics and graph theory. His Erdős number of 2 underscores his connections to influential mathematicians, further cementing his place in the history of the discipline. Kocay's mentorship of Andrei Gagarin also highlights his role in shaping the careers of future mathematicians.

## Notable For
- **Graph Theorist**: Made significant contributions to the study of graphs and their applications.
- **Editor-in-Chief**: Served as the editor-in-chief of *Utilitas Mathematica*, a leading journal in combinatorics and graph theory.
- **Erdős Number**: Had an Erdős number of 2, indicating his collaboration with prominent mathematicians.
- **Professor**: Taught at the University of Manitoba from 1979 to 2019, where he conducted research and mentored students.
- **Doctoral Advisor**: Advised Andrei Gagarin, further extending his influence in the academic community.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
William Lawrence Kocay was born in 1901. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Waterloo in 1979, under the supervision of Ronald C. Read.

### Academic Career
Kocay began his academic career at the University of Manitoba in 1979, where he remained until 2019. During his tenure, he made notable contributions to graph theory and computer science. His work was recognized through his Erdős number of 2, which reflects his collaboration with mathematicians who worked directly with Paul Erdős.

### Research and Publications
Kocay's research focused on graph theory, a field that studies the properties and applications of graphs. He published his work in *Utilitas Mathematica*, a journal that he also served as editor-in-chief. His publications and editorial role helped advance the field of combinatorics and graph theory.

### Mentorship and Influence
Kocay advised Andrei Gagarin, who went on to make contributions of his own in the field of mathematics. His mentorship and guidance helped shape the careers of future mathematicians.

### Legacy
William Lawrence Kocay's legacy in graph theory and computer science is marked by his research, teaching, and editorial contributions. His work continues to influence the field, and his collaborations with other mathematicians have left a lasting impact on the academic community.

## References

1. [Source](https://umanitoba.ca/science/sites/science/files/2023-01/history-um-math-2022.pdf)
2. [Source](https://combinatorialpress.com/news/combinatorial-press-welcomes-professor-dr-william-lawrence-kocay-as-editor-in-chief-of-utilitas-mathematica/)
3. Mathematics Genealogy Project