Kathryn Pamela Hess (born 1967)[1] is an American mathematician who has served as professor of mathematics at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) since 1999.

In particular, she applies the methods of algebraic topology to the study of neurology[2], cancer biology, and materials science.

[2] She received her doctorate in mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1989 under the direction of David J. Anick [de].

She has more recently used algebraic topology to understand structures in neurology[KDS][DHL] and materials science.

[LBD] As of March 2022, she has been the principal academic advisor for 14 mathematics PhDs at EPFL, including 4 women[3].