I find it hard to define what I do, since I’m interested in almost everything that moves. But technically, I’m a computational scientist interested in discovering the simple rules that animate our complex universe using artificial — and sometimes natural — intelligence. I got my PhD at Stanford University, and I’m currently a postdoc at the University of Washington, working with Steven Brunton and Nathan Kutz. My focus is on data-driven modeling and simulation of nonlinear multiscale dynamical systems that exhibit chaos and self-organization. My background is in modeling fluid flows and granular materials. I’m broadly interested in understanding and recreating intelligence, whether in machines or in living organisms. I like to question assumptions, reimagine reality, and describe it with equations.
what i do
Ultimately, I don’t know what “i” am. It’s strange, but fascinating at the same time. Maybe I can find some answers here and there, hidden in the code of the universe. How about:
discovering the laws of nature
I am interested in discovering generalizing physical patterns in complex systems and building intelligent machines that do the same. In this pursuit, I’ve worked on projects such as modeling and simulation of granular materials, computational methods for multi-scale multi-physics systems, machine learning methods for discovering partial differential equations, social modeling, designing and building a glove musical instrument, and others. The world is a playground, and I’m, well, a scientist…
questioning assumptions
I like to stand at the boundaries of knowledge, gaze into the unknown and question long-held assumptions. I have more questions than answers and I expect it to stay that way. I’m attracted to big questions, like a moth to a light-bulb, about life and death, science and religion, determinism and randomness, society and identity, brains and machines, intelligence and consciousness, happiness and purpose. I’m driven by the thrill to explore new worlds of ideas in search of deeper truths. What’s the point?.. That’s a good question.
composing harmonies
I’m a classical pianist and composer by training. I’ve played some concerts and participated in a few competitions. I like complex harmonies in classical and jazz music, but I’m always looking for new sounds that have something to say. I like to combine my passion for music with that for science and technology. I also have some compositions and improvisations on soundcloud… Check them out!
what i did
education
Ph.D., Complex Materials ㅡ Stanford University (2017 – 2020)
Department of Energy Resources Engineering
Thesis: Stochastic Multiscale Modeling of Complex Materials
M.S./Ph.D., Fluid Dynamics ㅡ University of California San Diego (2013 – 2016)
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
B.Eng., Mechanical Engineering ㅡ American University of Beirut (2009 – 2013)
Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
B.A., Classical Piano ㅡ Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music (2003 – 2013)
awards
Henry J. Ramey, Jr. Fellowship Award (Outstanding Research) – Stanford, 2020
Frank G. Miller Fellowship Award (High Academic Achievement) – Stanford, 2018
Best Poster Award (LANL poster session) – Los Alamos, 2014