NSF IGERT Program in NON LINEAR SYSTEMS

The subject of nonlinear systems is wonderfully broad, with important applications in fields ranging from physics and mechanical engineering to medicine and finance. However, this breadth is rarely conveyed in a traditional Ph.D. program. A mathematics student studying dynamical systems is unlikely to cross paths with an immunologist studying AIDS, or an electrical engineer studying soliton propagation in an optical fiber -- yet they are all investigating nonlinear phenomena. Our goal is to train a new generation of students to have the mathematical techniques, scientific background, language skills, and interdisciplinary spirit needed to tackle these problems. The task is important, because many of the major unsolved problems in mathematics, science, engineering, medicine, and finance are fundamentally nonlinear.

For more information, please have a look at the announcement:
http://www.chaos.cornell.edu/IGERT.html

PROPOSED NSF IGERT Program in PLANT BASED BIOINDUSTRIES:

The major theme of this application is the rational design of plant-based bioindustries by integrating science and engineering across the scale from nanobiotechology to industrial ecology. This integration exploits enabling technologies such as nanobiotechology and genomics to develop improved biocatalysts, microbial conversion processes, and plant physiological processes. It also exploits advances in biosensors, bio-reactors, and plant environment engineering to utilize to the fullest the genetic potential of engineered biomolecules, microbes and plants. Finally, this integration involves the use of industrial ecology principles to provide the intellectual platform for constructing and assessing webs of biological and physical processes that give rise to "green" bioindustries. The following research activities are presented to illustrate the type of research in which students will become involved.

(email Prof L.P. Walker lpw1@cornell.edu concerning this proposal)

OTHER AVAILABLE PROGRAMS:

• Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships for Minorities
  
• Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowships for Minorities
  
• National Research Council Associateship Programs
  
• Additional information about available fellowships and financial aid can be found at the
  Cornell Graduate School Fellowships and Financial Aid page.