Grace Kepler

Areas Grace Kepler is Knowledgeable in:

Grace Kepler's Problem Solving Skills:

1. Proficient with C, C++, and Fortran programming languages
2. Solution of ordinary and partial differential equations
3. Expertise with the Matlab computing environment
4. Application of mathematics to industrial, medical, and biological problems for prediction, optimization, and understanding
5. Finite elements techniques
6. Rapid learning and assimilation of new material/fields/subjects Image analysis
7. Design and implementation of experiments
8. Solution of finite difference equations
9. Mathematical and computational modeling techniques
10. Mathematical optimization techniques
11. Bench-top physics experimental techniques, including use of LabView, dSPACE, and Simulink for control and data acquisition
12. Design and fabrication of semiconductor power transistors Simulation of semiconductor devices
13. Strong interpersonal skills and extensive experience participating in multidisciplinary teams
14. Strong oral presentation skills through training and experience
15. Proficient with the Fidap and Gambit for Fluid Dynamics simulation
16. Expertise using DSSAT and AquaCrop for crop simulation

Grace Kepler's Problem Solving Experience:

1. I created an anatomically-accurate computer model of rhesus monkey nasal airways for air flow and gas uptake simulations that was used to improve assessment of inhalation health risk for humans. I obtained the accurate geometrical information for this model using image analysis of serial sections. I validated airflow predictions from the model by carrying out videotaped water/dye flow experiments in an acrylic replica and using image analysis. This work was part of a collaborative effort with a pathologists and toxicologists. This work was published in peer-reviewed journals.
2. I used mathematical modeling and simulation to guide the design of a new high pressure chemical vapor deposition reactor. Mathematical modeling of the reactor design significantly reduced the time and money needed to build a successful reactor. This work was part of a collaborative effort with Material Scientists. This work was published in peer-reviewed journals.
3. I built a TEM half plane antenna and timing and triggering circuitry and carried out experimental investigations of electromagnetic and acoustic wave interactions in a dielectric medium. The ability to detect such interactions could be useful for medical imaging and discovery of buried targets. The results of the experiments showed no evidence of electromagnetic reflection from the acoustic wave front. Modeling of the dielectric medium and simulation were used to show that pressure wave produced by the transducer was not sufficiently powerful to produce the desired effect and highlighted the constraints and experimental difficulties that would be encountered with more powerful transducers
4. I created a mathematical model to describe the reactivation of latent virus by chemical inducers. This model was developed to elucidate mechanisms for activation of latent viruses by bacteria in an oral environment. This work was part of a collaborative effort with virologists and a dental clinician. This work was published in a peer-reviewed journal.
5. I used mathematical modeling and optimization techniques to create a maize crop model that was part of two winning solutions at InnoCentive.com.
6. I created a mathematical model to describe primary and latent HCMV infection in healthy and immunosuppressed individuals. This model was used to begin to understand mechanisms for, and prevention of, viral reactivation (secondary infection) in transplant patients undergoing immunosuppression therapy. This work was part of a collaborative effort with immunologists and clinicians. This work was published in a peer-reviewed journal.
7. I wrote software to automate generation of three-dimensional computer models from serial sections of complex objects, such as nasal airways. The software was used to generate nasal airway models for a number of individuals from a large database of MRI scans. The computer models were used to investigate airflow and gas uptake variability among individuals. The results of these models were published in a peer-reviewed journal.
8. I combined video microscopy and data analysis of colloidal particles confined to movement in only two-dimensions with simulation to show that the particles in the two-dimensional system have a long-range attraction that is not predicted by conventional theory. Understanding the results of this work and work by others has been the subject of numerous theoretical research papers.