John Hubbard is perhaps most well known for his early work on Mandelbrot sets in which he discovered the so called pictures in1976. As part of this work Hubbard also had a great interest in polynomials and exponential functions. His more recent research work has concentrated on analysis and implementation of numerical algorithms, probability theory, computing, and object orientated programming and database systems.

John R Hubbard attended Cornell University, the University of Rochester, the University of Michigan, and Penn State. From these he obtained a Bachelors degree and a doctorate in mathematics and a masters degree in computer science. Since 1983 Hubbard has been employed at the University of Richmond working on both mathematics and computer science. His outside interests include music (he performs in both the University and the faculty orchestras), genealogy, travel, history, and philately. Hubbard has a thriving graduate student program and produces many mathematical and computer science graduates.