Meet CCSS Board member Wioletta Ruszel
One of our new Board members is Wioletta Ruszel, Associate Professor of Mathematics. Her research focuses on random interacting particle systems and critical phenomena, in which complexity is an intrinsically important component.
Ruszel’s main focus is developing mathematical models for studying interactive particle systems and their critical phenomena. In other words, her research aims at developing a theoretical framework to understand nature.
Fundamental point of view
Complexity is intrinsically part of her research, says Ruszel, since she’s working on the study and mathematical modelling of complex systems. Ruszel: “I am taking the fundamental point of view and look for universality classes of models which can explain complex behaviour. More precisely, I am interested in developing the mathematical framework in order to study large scale or large time behaviour of certain systems. In the recent years I was particularly interested in studying models of separation lines and interfaces, and the effect of nonlocality.”
The need for complexity research
The question as to why complexity research is needed to understand interacting particle systems, is better posed the other way around, says Ruszel. This is because interacting particle systems are one of the key modelling ingredients for understanding the emergence complex behaviour. Examples of this are synchronization, critical phenomena of phase transitions, and self-organized criticality. Those phenomena can naturally be modelled using interacting particle systems.
Cooperating with other disciplines
Ruszel’s research takes inspiration from models and questions in other scientific areas, like neurosciences, condensed matter physics, or chemistry. “I’m always happy to discuss connections to natural sciences”, says Ruszel. “Furthermore, computer scientists could help me in setting up efficient simulations.”
Probability is a natural language to modelling complex systems since it can account for uncertainties and random effects
On the other hand, Ruszel’s scientific expertise may be helpful for other researchers as well. “I can offer my mathematical expertise on for example stochastic processes. I believe indeed that probability is a natural language to modelling complex systems since it can account for uncertainties and random effects.”
CCSS Board member
Becoming a CCSS Board member offers a great opportunity to support both the scientific complex systems community, as well as students, says Ruszel. “I am looking forward to act as a board member to the CCSS. I think the CCSS is a great center and offers a vast amount of opportunities to learn from each other and being inspired. I would like to contribute with my researcher network and also involve more bachelor and master students from mathematics in the activities of the center.”