Dr. Erika Camacho, Co-Director (2005, 2006, 2007)
Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Arizona State University
Erika's interests are in applied mathematics, particularly modeling and dynamical systems applied to biological problems. Dr. Camacho received her Ph.D. from Cornell in 2003 and her Bachelor's degree from Wellesley College in Math and Economics in 1997. Erika likes dancing to merengue, salsa, hip-hop, and techno music. She also enjoys spending time with her wonderful son, Alan, her family and friends. She loves chocolate and flavored coffees.
Dr. Stephen Wirkus, Co-Director (2005, 2006, 2007)
Associate Professor of Mathematics, Arizona State University
Stephen is interested in the study of nonlinear differential equations and work with both the theoretical and computational aspects. Publications include work on the pumping of a playground swing and the coupling of two van der Pol oscillators with delay coupling (see publication list below). Besides the application of nonlinear ODE's to physical systems, he is also interested in the applications to biological systems. Dr. Wirkus completed his Ph.D. in August 1999 in the Center for Applied Mathematics at Cornell University. Steve is a man of few words.
Dr. Angela Gallegos, Faculty (2007)
Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Occidental College
Angela enjoys modeling and volunteers in her spare time.
Dr. Lily Khadjavi, Faculty (2007)
Associate Professor of Mathematics, Loyola Marymount University
Lily's research interests range from algebraic number theory to the use of statistics in social science. Dr. Khadjavi received her Ph.D. from UC Berkeley in 1999 and her bachelor's degree from Harvard University in 1990. She is on the steering committee of the Infinite Possibilities Conference, aimed at increasing the number of women of color in the mathematical sciences. Other interests include civil rights activism, exploring new restaurants, hiking, and enjoying the sunny sprawl of Los Angeles.
Dr. Ed Mosteig, Co-Director of Research (2005, 2006, 2007)
Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Loyola Marymount University
Ed's research interests are in commutative algebra, coding theory, valuation theory, and applications of computational algebra to problems in applied math. Dr. Mosteig received his Ph.D. from Cornell University in 2000; his M.S. in Computer Science from Cornell University in 1999; his M.S. in Mathematics from University of Illinois in 1996; and his B.S. from University of Michigan in 1993. When not doing mathematics, he enjoys rock climbing, hiking, cycling, listening to live music and playing guitar.
Dr. Randy Swift, Co-Director of Research (2005, 2006)
Professor, Department of Mathematics, Cal Poly Pomona
Randy's research interests are in harmonizable processes, mathematical modeling, birth-death processes, probability, and differential equations. He received his Ph.D. from University of California, Riverside in 1992, his M.S. from UC-Santa Barbara in 1987, and his B.S. from Cal Poly Pomona in 1985. While not doing mathematics his life is centered around his wife and their four children. However, when he has time, he enjoys his friends, collecting R&L cereal premiums, science fiction (notably The Prisoner), listening to The Blues, public radio, cooking and tending his fruit tree orchard.
Dr. Maria Mercedes Franco, Faculty (2006)
Assistant Professor, Mathematics and Computer Science, Queensborough Community College - The City University of New York
Dr. Franco received her Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Cornell University in August 2005. She also holds a M.S. in Applied Mathematics from Cornell University, May 2000, and a B.S. in Mathematics from Universidad del Valle (Cali, Colombia), March 2000. Her research focuses on problems of nonlinear elasticity, calculus of variations, and numerical analysis. Dr. Franco is a very committed educator, who has taught college and high school students at institutions in Colombia, Puerto Rico, and the United States. From giving lectures to organizing workshops to collaborating in REU programs, Dr. Franco is actively involved in activities that seek to increase the number of women and minorities in the mathematical sciences, increase public understanding of and appreciation for mathematics, and address issues relevant to educational equity, particularly issues relevant to incarcerated youth/youth at risk. Other interests: music and dancing, walking, biking, cooking, and other forms of wandering.
Michelle Craddock, Research Assistant (2006)
Michelle is from Decatur, Georgia and is a third year graduate student at University of Mississippi working on her Ph.D in mathematics. As a graduate student, her research interests are in functional analysis. She has an M.S. in Mathematics from the University of Mississippi and a B.S. in Mathematics from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA. For fun, Michelle enjoys shopping.
Laura Smith, Research Assistant (2005, 2006, 2007)
Laura participated in AMSSI as a student in the summer of 2005 and returned as a research assistant for the program in 2006. She received her B.S. in Mathematics from Western Washington University in 2005 and is currently pursuing her M.S. in Mathematics also at Western Washington University. Upon completion of her degree, Laura plans to obtain her Ph.D. Aside from math, she enjoys kayaking, hiking, and teaching.
David Uminsky, Research Assistant (2007)
David's research interests are in partial differential equations, fluid dynamics, dynamical systems, and complex dynamics. He received his B.S. in mathematics at Harvey Mudd College, and has just finished his fourth year in graduate school at Boston University. When he is not doing mathematics, he enjoys playing soccer, trivia, hiking, and following his beautiful wife around the world as she finishes her field work in anthropology.
