Celebrating interdisciplinary excellence in the SYDE Department community

Monday, December 9, 2024

The Algebraic Intelligence & Computation Lab, under the guidance of SYDE Professor, Dr. Chrystopher L. Nehaniv, has seen outstanding contributions from three interdisciplinary master’s students who successfully presented or defended their theses this semester. These three scholars represent diverse academic departments and research interests and exemplify the power of collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to complex systems.

Students from Algebraic Intelligence & Computation Lab
From left to right: Marta Zheplinska (SYDE), Hanna Derets (Applied Math.), and Thomas Gao (ECE)

Thomas Zixuan Gao, M.A.Sc. in Electrical & Computer Engineering

Thesis Title: An Algebraic Perspective on Game Theory
Thomas Zixuan Gao delved into the intersection of algebra and game theory, exploring mathematical structures that underlie strategic decision-making frameworks. His research provides new insights into the algebraic modeling of games, advancing theoretical tools with potential applications across economics, artificial intelligence, and optimization.

Marta Zheplinska, M.A.Sc. in Systems Design Engineering

Thesis Title: Synthesis of User Interfaces with Categorical Methods
Marta Zheplinska’s research bridges abstract theory and practical application by bringing categorical mathematics into the realm of user interface design. Her work demonstrates how categorical methods can systematically synthesize intuitive, efficient, unambiguous and robust interfaces, enhancing design and human-computer interaction.

Hanna Derets, M.Math. in Applied Mathematics

Thesis Title: Finite Automata Models: Algorithm, Application, and Semigroup Study
Hanna Derets explored applications of discrete systems to understanding the dynamics of electroencephalography over time in computational neuroscience and of self-organized critical phenomena in sandpile avalanches. Her work not only deepens our understanding of discrete computational models, but also identifies novel applications, pushing the boundaries of applied mathematics and theoretical computer science.

A Commitment to Interdisciplinary Innovation

These achievements highlight the interdisciplinary ethos in Systems Design Engineering. These graduate students exemplify how collaboration across traditional academic boundaries fosters innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

Congratulations to Thomas, Marta, and Hanna for their remarkable contributions! Their work not only reflects the strength of their respective programs but also underscores the vibrant and collaborative research culture at the Algebraic Intelligence & Computation Lab. We eagerly anticipate the future impact of their work in academia and beyond.

Read more about the Algebraic Intelligence & Computation Lab.