Graduate Seminar: Application of Mathematical Modeling and Machine Learning for Optimizing Network Design and Operation

Abstract

Network architectures can be found in many structures ranging from natural phenomena to computer systems. My research centers on the study and design of algorithms for the simulation and optimization of network structures using various methods including mathematical modeling, graph theory and machine learning. In this talk, I present selected findings from our research on routing optimization in heterogeneous wireless communication networks deployed in challenged environment, such as the deep space. I also present the ongoing work on the simulation of metabolic networks to build a deep mechanistic understanding of the interplay between key environmental growth conditions and the ability of plants’ metabolism to manage the flow of energy, carbon, and nitrogen.

Biography of Speaker

Sara El Alaoui is a postdoctoral researcher at Argonne National Lab conducting research in the field of computational biology. She received her Ph. D. in Computer Engineering and her Master’s in Computer Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). Her current research focuses on building a deep mechanistic understanding of plants’ metabolism ability to manage the flow of energy, carbon, and nitrogen through simulation. She has designed and built analytical processes and simulators for metabolic networks using state of the art tools. Her work has been presented and published in multiple flagship conferences and peer-reviewed journals. In recognition of her research contributions, she has received multiple awards, including UNL's Othmer Fellowship for exceptional scholars seeking a terminal degree, the Dean's Fellowship, and CSE Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award. Along with her research, Sara has served as a Teaching Assistant and lab instructor in a number of Computer Science courses. She has also received the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL) Certificate from UNL.