EMSW21-RTG: Applied Mathematics Training Program for Interdisciplinary Research in Science and Engineering

Northwestern University, Evanston IL

Investigators

Abstract

This project establishes a flexible, modern training program in applied mathematics within the Research Training Group program. Mathematics is a central component in physical sciences, biological sciences, and engineering, and many diverse disciplines exhibit common mathematical structures. Work in these fields profits from the involvement of applied mathematicians with broad backgrounds. This program will train such young applied mathematicians at all levels, from undergraduates through postdoctoral researchers. A significant feature of the program is its interdisciplinary nature -- the group's activities involve not just mathematicians, but engineers and scientists as well. Thus, group members, while trained as applied mathematicians, will be comfortable interacting with non-mathematicians in research teams. The research activities will emphasize breadth and flexibility; trainees will be able to tackle problems involving a wide variety of mathematical techniques, ranging from analytical and computational methods to the development of suitable models of physical processes, and they will be able to adapt their research to diverse areas as opportunities arise. The group's activities will involve mathematical research ranging from analytical to computational, in application areas including life sciences (particularly microbiology and biological fluids), fluid mechanics, materials science, and combustion. A special focus is on interfacial phenomena and phenomena involving multiple scales. The project will produce a group of young applied mathematicians who are multifaceted in their scientific knowledge, able to grasp common mathematical features in problems from a diverse range of application areas, comfortable working and interacting with scientists and engineers in an interdisciplinary environment, and sufficiently flexible to pursue productive research in other areas as national priorities evolve.