Faculty & Staff

At WPI, I enjoy teaching all courses fundamental to applied mathematics, scientific computing, and modeling. I look forward to mentoring students interested in working on areas in Mathematical Biology, Computational Biofluids, and Scientific Computing. I specialize in Mathematical Biology, understanding emergent properties of complex systems. The goals of these models are to understand the underlying biological processes and make predictions. Please visit my website to learn more about recent research projects.

Teaching has evolved into a second career for me. After working for over 25 years as an actuary, I came to WPI a few years back, and have loved every minute of it! I provide insight to my students about working as an actuary, as well as convey a real world sense of urgency and connection to what we are doing in the classroom. I particularly enjoy the academic cycle – getting a fresh start every fall term, and seeing a new batch of enthusiastic first year students arriving on campus. It is really rewarding watching them learn and grow, and moving on to begin building their own successful ...

My research in applied mathematics is in the field of inverse problems and uncertainty quantification, which involves estimating unknown system parameters using indirect observations and analyzing the changes in predicted outcomes due to changes in the inputs. In particular, I am interested in the design and analysis of efficient and robust nonlinear filtering algorithms for state and parameter estimation within a Bayesian inference framework and the application of such algorithms in analyzing real-world data. Please see my personal website for more information.

I am an applied mathematician working in the fields of small-scale fluid mechanics and microfluidics. My research includes both mathematical modeling and physical experiments. In particular, I am interested in particle and solute transport in small-scale systems, such as municipal water filtration facilities. I am the PI of the FMNTS Lab - Small-scale Fluid Mechanics and Transport Lab hosted at LEAP. I enjoy teaching courses fundamental to applied mathematics and modeling, and I look forward to mentoring students on projects both in and outside the lab. I am very active in ...

I teach many graduate courses in our Financial Mathematics Professional Master’s Program. I particularly love engaging graduate students in areas of financial mathematics; the material is exciting, cutting edge, and fun to apply and relate to current events and states of financial markets. At the undergraduate level, I teach upper-level optimization electives, as well as calculus courses. I enjoy teaching at this level, showing undergraduate students why the mathematics we study is important and relevant. Currently, I am involved in the study of liquidity modeling in mathematical finance. I ...

Class teaching is not only important for the transmission of knowledge from one generation to another but also an integral and necessary part of academic research. I teach many undergraduate mathematics and statistics courses including calculus, algebra, finite mathematics, data science, introduction to statistics, and applied statistics.My research in statistics is in the field of time series analysis which involves dimension reduction in the uni-variate and multivariate time series datasets. In particular, I am interested to develop algorithms based on sufficient dimension reduction ...

Education: BS in Geophysics, Moscow Oil and Gas "Gubkin" Institute, 1979   Ph.D. in applied mathematics and geophysics, "Lomonosov" Moscow State University, 1984 SIAM Fellow, Class 2014 I have spent nearly my entire career in industrial research labs, first at the Central Geophysical Expedition (CGE) of the Russian Oil Ministry and then at Schlumberger-Doll Research (SDR) of Schlumberger Technology. My scientific style was formed from interactions with outstanding mathematicians and engineers I first met at CGE, in particular my mentor Professor Alexander ...

Professor Fatemeh Emdad completed her Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics with a concentration in Applied Mathematics at Colorado State University. She is the recipient of the top-ranked student academic award from the President of Shiraz University. She is the author of the book High Dimensional Data Analysis and more than 20 journal and conference articles. She completed her postdoctoral degree with the University of Texas Medical Branch and Shriners Hospital for Children Burn Unit when she was the NIH postdoctoral scientist fellow (under Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award from ...

Professor Fehribach has taught and led mathematical research efforts at WPI since 1992. If you are interested in his work, please contact him directly. His research works with Kirchhoff graphs, representing that the null and row spaces of a matrix are orthogonal complements. When the matrix is the stoichiometric matrix for a chemical reaction network, the Kirchhoff graph is effectively a circuit diagram for that reaction network.

Teaching at WPI is a great opportunity to help incoming freshmen make the transition from high school to college as well as gain the pleasure and satisfaction that higher education can bring. Further, the WPI Plan is a unique approach to education, and John brings both enthusiasm and a special perspective as one of its first graduates. He appreciates the great people the students are and assists them into making mathematics a successful part of their start. He does this in a number of ways, including an outcomes approach to teaching and a careful eye on what their future courses and projects ...

Arthur Heinricher is the Dean of Undergraduate Studies and a Professor of Mathematical Sciences. As dean, he is responsible for ensuring the quality and effectiveness of all aspects of the undergraduate experience at WPI, providing leadership and working with the faculty to implement new undergraduate curricular and structural changes. Together with the Dean of Students, he works to ensure an appropriate balance and synergy between academics and student life. In 2012, Heinricher led the university’s self-study working with faculty and administration to facilitate the external review for ...

I am a mathematical physicist working on the development and application of mathematical methods to atmospheric research and satellites orbits. As part of this research, I am also developing new methods for the use of symmetry principles to solve differential equations. I have taught a broad spectrum of applied math courses on the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Teaching is a royal path to learning and is an art for me. In learning I will teach; in teaching I will learn. I believe that the power of reasoning, creativity, abstract or spatial thinking, critical, problem-solving ability and even effective communication skills can be improved. In this way, how I motivate the study of mathematics and statistics depends on whom I am teaching. I teach a wide range of courses in both Mathematics & Statistics, from introductory level to higher level for undergraduate students. Assessing and refining my approach to instruction in the classroom, building ...

At WPI I have taught a variety of courses ranging from Calculus, Statistics, and Probability at the undergraduate and graduate level.  With help from the ATC (Academic Technology Center) I use course capturing to record my lectures and keep an eye on advances in technology to aid student learning. I completed my PhD in Economics at Clark University in October 2012. My dissertation explored theoretical models for free and open source software. Analysis of two-sided markets (programmers and users) and motives for code forking (a split in the programmer community) were highlighted in separate ...

The evolution of defects in materials present particularly interesting mathematical challenges. My main goals are to improve mathematical models, and advance the mathematical methods for studying them. Recent online research talk: https://www.birs.ca/events/2019/5-day-workshops/19w5207/videos/watch/201903041132-Larsen.html  

Konstantin's research has, since the early '60s, been focused on optimal control of distributed systems, specifically, on optimal material design. The journal papers and books he published since laid a solid foundation of this discipline, as we know it today. The need for optimal design comes from everyday life and from various technological requirements that put forth numerous challenges demanding better quality, less weight, lower cost, faster operation, etc. Today, these demands cannot be addressed on intuitive basis alone, as was true through centuries of world civilization, but appear to ...

My research is focused on the design and analysis of fast algorithms for machine learning, optimization and data science. I am especially interested in Markov chain and stochastic gradient-based optimization and sampling algorithms.  These algorithms are used to rapidly explore a high-dimensional or non-convex function or probability distribution in applications such as deep learning and Bayesian statistics.  I am also very interested in the application of these algorithms to problems in machine learning, data science, theoretical computer science, and statistics.  I am looking ...

Bill Martin's goal is to find mathematical research projects that lie between beautiful and powerful mathematical theory, on the one hand, and pressing technological applications, on the other. This effort requires one to keep abreast of both mathematical developments and applications in computer science and engineering. Professor Martin's mathematical research is in the area of algebraic combinatorics, where tools from linear and abstract algebra are applied to problems in discrete math. An association scheme is a collection of graphs, which give rise to a highly structured matrix algebra ...

My research focuses on compressed sensing, machine learning, signal processing, and the interaction between mathematics, computer science and software engineering. My interests range from theoretical results to algorithms for tackling practical applied problems, and I enjoy problems most when mathematical results lead to efficient software implementations for big data. I am looking forward to working with students at all levels and backgrounds who share an interest in mathematics, software, or data. Some problems that have captured my interest include network analysis for cyber defense, and ...

Teaching is an art. It is something you develop within yourself. It needs hard work, time, creativity and dedication. Giving clear and understandable lectures, facilitating group activities, and interacting with students are all important parts of my teaching. My objectives as a statistics educator are: (1) to teach students about statistical tools and how to use them correctly, (2) to expose students to the structure of statistical analysis, and (3) to teach students how to communicate statistical results and concepts to a variety of audiences. These objectives apply to all courses I teach, ...

My research is broadly speaking in the area of Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations with applications to physics and materials science. Specifically, I am interested in applying comprehensive techniques from nonlinear partial differential equations, calculus of variations and geometric measure theory to understand complex singularity structures in certain physical systems, including superconductors, liquid crystals, thin film blisters, convection pattern formations and some systems described by hyperbolic conservation laws. The studies of these systems are highly interdisciplinary. The ...

My areas of concentration are teaching courses for Actuarial Mathematics and advising actuarial math students. Students with interests in investments (options, volatility trading, etc) are encouraged to approach me with ideas for MQPs. In addition, I have IQP opportunities for students interested in local history.

My research in applied statistics focuses on methods for causal inference using large, administrative datasets, primarily with applications in learning sciences and social sciences. I have developed and worked on methods combining machine learning with design-based analysis of randomized trials and matched observational studies, principal stratification and mediation analysis using log data from intelligent tutoring systems, and regression discontinuity designs. In my teaching and mentoring, I try to present good statistical practice as central to rigorous science, and I am ...

What is a better way of learning, soaking knowledge up like a sponge or like a sieve? A sponge may be saturated quickly, while an appropriate sieve retains the valuable and discards the superfluous.  The essence of teaching is to enable the student to recognize the jewels in a subject, unearth them, and create a valuable collection.  

I pose this question: if I dip a wire cage of a cube into soap bubbles, can I get a hexagon? These are questions I love posing to my students. Likewise, I appreciate all questions my students ask me, regardless of how ridiculous they may seem. Every question is worth asking and investigating, and WPI encourages this innovative way of thinking.

Qingshuo Song's research interests include stochastic control theory, and its applications to mathematical finance and various engineering problems. Qingshuo received his BSc from Nankai University, MA and PhD from Wayne State University. Prior to joining Worcester Polytechnic Institute, he had been working with City University of Hong Kong (Associate Professor 2010-2018), University of Michigan (PostDoc 2009) and University of Southern California (PostDoc 2006-2009).

I am an applied mathematician specializing in the field of financial mathematics and engineering. Currently, I am most interested in problems involving modeling with stochastic volatility and the implied volatility surface. Another topic of my research interests lies in delegated portfolio optimization and the role played by incentive schemes paid to fund managers. After receiving a BS/MS from the University of Vienna and a PhD from Technische Universität Berlin in mathematics, I joined the Department of Operations Research and Financial Engineering at Princeton University as a postdoctoral ...

I have been teaching and conducting research at WPI since 1988. Teaching is a lot of fun since it involves interactions with students, and we can pass our knowledge and experiences to students for their better future. I have been conducting research for cardiovascular modeling in the past 30 years and has made various contributions, especially in using image-based modeling for vulnerable plaque progression and rupture investigations. I collaborate with faculty from many universities, including Harvard, MIT, University of Washington (Seattle), Washington University (St. Louis), Emory ...

With teachers for parents, I have always respected those who teach and the importance of education. While I did not originally set out to have a career in education, I found myself coming to WPI to do precisely that, after spending a decade in the corporate world as a statistician. During my time as a statistician, I taught engineers, particularly those in industrial, biomedical, and electrical engineering, how to apply statistics effectively to their work from designing a new medical device to sustaining commercialized medical devices. It was this passion for teaching statistics to engineers ...

My main research area of interest is mathematical modeling of problems in scientific and engineering applications. Recent examples include heat transfer properties in patterned liquid-cooled electronics, heat transfer in geothermal energy harnessing applications, and inter-facial pattern formation on thin fluid films and sheets. The mathematical content of these problems focus on, but are not limited to, continuum mechanics, free-boundary problems, nonlinear partial differential equations, and nonlinear differential equations. The common theme in these problems involves behavior of different ...

I enjoy teaching courses to all levels of undergraduates, from introductory courses getting students excited about the concepts and their applications, to delving deep in advanced topics courses. My research is into combinatorial and computational questions in knot theory. 

Bogdan Vernescu is currently Professor of mathematical sciences and the Vice Provost for Research. His research is in applied mathematics for multiscale materials sciences, focusing on the characterization of material properties of composites, porous media, suspensions, emulsions and electrorheological/magnetorheological materials. He has published over 60 research papers, a monograph and a proceedings volume. He has held visiting positions at MIT, the University of Metz, University of Nancy, University of Savoie, University of Rouen, University of Sorbonne Paris Nord, University of Rome La ...

Professor Volkov's research is on Partial Differential Equations theory, Integral Equations theory, and asymptotic and numerical methods. He is interested in abstract existence and uniqueness questions as well as inverse problems and their numerical solutions. He has collaborated with geophysicists and engineers to work on problems related to electromagnetic theory, or seismology. He has published over 30 research papers in prestigious scientific journals. He has taught all levels of math classes, such as Linear Algebra II, Introduction to Analysis, and Graduate Analysis. He particularly ...

I use physical principles at the molecular scale to solve macroscopic problems in biology, e.g. How do a molecule's mechanical properties influence the behavior of a cell?  How do single molecule measurements relate to muscle function?  To answer such questions, I use a combination of computer simulations and mathematical analysis.  This theoretical work is complemented by experiments performed by my collaborators.  In my teaching, I enjoy emphasizing connections between math and other disciplines.

My research centers on quantitative analysis of dependent data, and my current interests include time series analysis, spatial statistics, spatial econometrics, and financial econometrics.  My work involves both statistical and econometric methodology development and empirical studies related to financial market and remote sensing data.  Although anchored in statistics, my research projects are interdisciplinary and lie at the intersection of statistics, applied probability, data science, finance, and economics.  Currently, I am working on problems related to high dimensional inference, ...

My research is in the field of Mathematical Finance, which aims at building probabilistic models that provide insights into the behavior of financial market participants, and developing the underlying mathematical theories. My work focuses on the optimal investment and consumption policies in various market settings. I received my Ph.D. in Mathematics from Boston University in 2013, and spend the next two years in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor as a Postdoctoral Assistant Professor, before joining WPI as a tenure track Assistant Professor. I enjoy teaching financial and ...

Research is a core part of the undergraduate experience at WPI.  As Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Prof. Suzanne Weekes increases the focus on the undergraduate research enterprise at the university to continue to advance WPI’s mission to create, to discover, and to convey knowledge at the frontiers of academic inquiry for the betterment of society.  This effort will i) support faculty and students in the undergraduate research enterprise, ii) increase the impact, outcomes, and visibility of WPI student research, and iii) cultivate and develop new opportunities and partnerships, ...

My research involves analysing size and shape development in biological processes. The form of living systems can be affected by growth and internal force, so it is important to know how they are patterned spatial-temporally. To do this, I develop deterministic approximate inference schemes using static and live imaging data; and develop mathematical models and numerical methods to describe tissue growth and morphogenesis. My research at WPI has attracted interest from all levels of students, and they have become enthusiastic and creative contributors.

Professor Wu's research interest lies in applying the power of statistical science to promote biomedical researches. In statistical genetics, he is developing novel statistical theory and methodology to analyze genome-wide association (GWA) data and deep (re)sequencing data to hunt new genetic factors for complex human diseases. In epigenetics, he is studying gene expression regulation mechanisms through chromatin interaction, and RNA silencing pathways in the developmental stages of germ-line cells. In clinical studies, he is establishing statistical models to predict carotid atherosclerotic ...

I enjoy interactions with students. In teaching, I teach students how I think and learn their views of my research fields. My current interest is to develop and analyze scientific machine learning algorithms for problems in various applications, especially in fluid dynamics, biology, and finance. The research is twofold: one is to construct efficient and stable algorithms; the other is to evaluate the constructed and existing methods through theoretical analysis.

My research focuses on developing and analyzing efficient numerical methods for problems arising in science and engineering. My research interests span traditional numerical methods and machine learning and data science. Some of the topics I investigate include neural networks for multiscale and singularly perturbed problems, nonlinear approximations by neural networks and radial basis functions for PDEs, error estimates of neural networks for conditionally stable PDEs, unfitted finite element methods for interface problems, and numerical methods for nonlocal PDEs. At WPI, I mainly work with ...

Professor Zou's research focuses on financial time series and spatial statistics with applications to epidemiology, public health and climate change. His most recent research on statistical theory and methodology addressed a wide range of challenges including high dimensionality, complex dependencies, and space and time variations. His research in high-frequency financial data tackled problems with high dimensionality, which is currently a hot topic in statistics. He also works on developing novel spatio-temporal models that provide early and accurate detection of disease outbreaks using ...

As part of the leadership team for the Mathematical Sciences Department, I work jointly with the Department Head and the Associate Head to oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the department.

Mike Malone works with Math Department Faculty, Staff, and Graduate students to assure that their computational needs are met.  Whether it’s the purchase and setup of a new desktop, laptop, mobile device, or printer, or the troubleshooting of an existing device, Mike works with each person to make sure that they are able to use their devices to complete their mission, whether it’s learning, teaching, or research.