Emma Lucia Byrnes Finn
Harvard University
About Me
I’m an undergraduate at Harvard studying Mathematics and Classics, with an A.M. in Statistics through the concurrent AB/AM program. My work spans probability theory, statistical modeling, and machine learning—especially interpretable models, stochastic processes, and the mathematics of diffusion.
I’m currently writing two senior theses—one in Statistics on interpretable diffusion models and one in Classics exploring ancient mathematical thought in Greek historiography.
Publications, Blogs, and Resources
Origins of Creativity in Attention-Based Diffusion Models
Emma Finn, et al.
ICML 2025 Workshop on High-Dimensional Learning Dynamics. Explores how attention-enhanced score matching uncovers the mechanisms behind creativity in diffusion models. Read on arXiv
Mathematical Foundations of Interpretable Diffusion
Emma Finn · Math Thesis (2025–26)
Investigating the expressive power of different function classes as score networks in generative diffusion models, with a focus on interpretability and learning dynamics.
Coming SoonQuantifying the Past: Empirical Tropes in Greek Historiography
Emma Finn · Classics Thesis (2025–26)
A study of how Herodotus, Thucydides, and Xenophon employ quantification as a rhetorical device within their historical narratives.
Coming SoonLearning Artistic Signatures: Symmetry Discovery and Style Transfer
Emma Finn
We propose and validate a mathematically grounded definition of artistic style as global symmetries over local textures.
Read on arXiv.Rader's Algorithm for the Fast Fourier Transform
Emma Finn
Junior Paper in Mathematics. Expository paper on the abstract algebra behind the FFT.
Rader's Fast Fourier TransformScore and Structure
Emma Finn
A blog exploring the intersections of algebraic structures and statistical inference, with visual examples and applications.
Read the BlogEducation
- A.M. in Statistics (intended), Harvard University, May 2026
- A.B. in Mathematics and Classics, Harvard University, May 2026
Teaching
- Fall 2025: Statistics 210 – Graduate Probability I (TF)
- Spring 2025: Statistics 111 – Introduction to Statistical Inference (TF)
- Fall 2024: Statistics 110 – Introduction to Probability (TF)
- Spring 2024: Math 21B – Linear Algebra and Differential Equations (CA)
- Fall 2023: Math 21A – Multivariable Calculus (CA)
Other
I love to read, bake (mostly scones and foccacia), and run (slowly!). I’m also a huge NYT-connections enthusiast. If you have advice on surviving your first marathon, please drop me a line!
Contact
Email:
efinn@college.harvard.edu
Phone: +1 (646) 668-6116
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/emmaluciafinn/
CV:
EmmaFinnCV6.16.25.pdf
GitHub:
github.com/EmmaFinn314/
X:
x.com/EmmaFinn314