Advances in Analyzing Complex Systems Models

Speaker :
Dr Aaron Bramson, Ph.D. from the University of Michigan

Title :
Advances in Analyzing Complex Systems Models

Summary :
A model of a complex system is only useful if it improves our understanding of the phenomenon of interest.  Having captured the mechanisms that generate complex dynamics in a model, one must be able to analyze the behavior of the model and uncover those complex dynamics.  Unfortunately exiting analysis techniques are not up to the task of revealing system complexity, and furthermore the current practices of scientists actually interfere with understanding complex system dynamics.  First the speaker summarizes the special analysis requirements of complex systems models, and identify the failures of existing techniques.  He then go on to demonstrate some improved analysis techniques in order to identify the features that make them more desirable.  Finally he presents his own methodological research in progress that addresses the specific requirements of complex system dynamics.

Biography :
Dr Aaron Bramson completed his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 2011 with a joint degree in philosophy and political science after completing a masters in mathematics from Northeastern University in 2004.  He also worked as a post-doc at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, a software engineer at Lockheed Martin, and several consulting projects while earning his Ph.D.  He currently travels the Earth teaching workshops, giving talks, and solving problems wherever his abilities are needed as president of Complexity Research Corporation.