Ph. D. Student
Center for Applied Mathematics
657 Rhodes Hall
Ithaca, NY
14850
Office: 657 Rhodes / 113 Hollister
smj96@cornell.edu
I'm a Ph. D. student at the Center for Applied Mathematics at Cornell University.
In general, my research interests could be defined as computational physics, with applications in fluid dynamics. In particular, I'm currently working to develop a computational model of internal waves in the shallow ocean, with the aim of better understanding the complex physics in these waves as they shoal (approach the shoreline).
Like surface waves, internal waves exhibit complicated behavior as they near the shore. Unlike surface waves, their amplitudes can regularly exceed the water depth, and so many analytic theories that explain internal wave behavior fail here. With my adviser, Peter Diamessis, I'm working to model these shoaling waves with high-fidelity computational methods -- namely the spectral element method.
While obtaining my masters degree from The University of Texas at Austin, I worked in ocean acoustics studying the problem of acoustic rough surface scattering with 3D finite elements.
Soap Box:
I started out a mechanical engineer, but I've since come over to the side of applied mathematics. Having made this switch, I notice and lament the disconnect between theoretical results in mathematics and their application. Mathematics and engineering, as sciences, have developed different languages and approaches with the result that occasionally communication between the two is hindered. I hope as an applied mathematician to work towards closing this gap.
/Soap Box
Curriculum Vita (pdf)
