Research Areas

Mathematical modeling is a pillar of the MOCA center and a cornerstone of research in applied mathematics.  The aim of modeling is to provide a mathematical framework from which solutions to difficult problems can be obtained, either analytically or computationally, and solution properties can be optimized.

Whether a mathematical model exists or one is inferred from data, it is often of critical interest to determine a set of problem parameters that optimize solution properties.  A goal of research in the area of optimization, and a second pillar of the MOCA center, is the design and analysis of algorithms that can find local or global optimizers to problems from models or data.

A third pillar of the MOCA center involves research in the area of scientific computation.  This area of research seeks to develop new algorithms to solve mathematical problems accurately and efficiently, and to uncover the behavior and any limitations of these algorithms.