Cornell Mathematics Research Computing Environment

Cornell University, Ithaca NY

Investigators

Abstract

The Cornell Mathematics Department will purchase and install a multiple processor computer to enable computationally intensive research within the department. The computer will be available to all faculty and students in the Mathematics Department engaged in computational research requiring more than a single processor. Specific problems described in the proposal will be pursued by R. Keith Dennis, Gerhard Michler, Mike Stillman, Dan Barbasch, Alexander Valdimirsky, Rick Durrett and John Guckenheimer. Dennis and Michler will investigate the structure of finite simple groups. Their will work will help clarify the classification of finite simple groups, one of the most complex proofs in mathematics. Durrett will simulate probabilistic models for genomic and evolutionary processes. This research will test approximations that significantly reduce the computational time required to analyze large data sets. Stillman will investigate algebraic problems arising from the use of Bayesian networks in the statistical analysis of genomic data. Barbasch will study irreducible representations of Lie groups, a subject that finds important applications in quantum mechanics. Vladimirsky will investigate parallelization of efficient algorithms for solving of optimal control problems, for example problems to find the minimum time or cost required for a process. Guckenheimer will investigate dynamical systems that arise in neuroscience, studies of locomotion and chemical combustion.