Trans-disciplinary Science

A new type of scientist is emerging in today's fast-paced, globally competitive, technological world. This scientist navigates across scientific, mathematical, and computational disciplines. The problems he works on are classified not by traditional disciplinary boundaries but by the level of complexity of the underlying mathematical models. This new scientist cannot rely on conventional funding sources since it is practically impossible for funding committees to keep up with fast-paced developments and to efficiently assess the relative significance or practical efficacy of modern research and development initiatives.

Fortunately, the present global landscape offers entrepreneurial opportunities to the modern scientist that are limited only by his own imagination and initiative. Perhaps for the first time, a scientist may engage in fundamental research while also applying that research in creative, profit-producing ways. For example, a scientist may leverage his expertise through the internet by offering courses, seminars, and organizing conferences and workshops. He may interface with other scientists to apply his expertise on cutting edge industrial applications. He can also inspire young aspiring scientists by serving as a teacher, mentor, and role model.

In all such activities, the modern scientist may directly add value and impact people's lives. Through service and dedication to his craft, the entrepreneurial scientist may independently pursue truly innovative research and development tracks that have scarcely been available through traditional channels. A primary goal of IISAM is to foster such activity.

Advanced Seminars and Research Workshops The level of this program ranges from advanced undergraduate up to post-doctoral research. For motivated undergraduates, courses will prepare them for advanced graduate work. There will be a cross-disciplinary emphasis but the program will also provide training in specific areas of applied mathematics. The post-doctoral program will be geared toward expanding researchers' horizons to cross-disciplinary topics. (Check back often for new seminars, workshops, and schedules.)	K-12 Math and Science Programs These programs are aimed at motivated K-12 students. A primary goal is to expose kids to mathematical and computer modeling at a much earlier age than normally expected. Through IISAM, kids will also have opportunities to work with practicing scientists on research projects that are of contemporary interest across different disciplines. IISAM will thus endeavor to nurture young minds and give them opportunities to prepare for a globally competitive world, regardless of any particular career path they may ultimately choose.(Check back often for new programs and schedules.)
Quantum Fields, Strings, and Beyond This online seminar series is for advanced undergraduates to graduate students. It will prepare students for advanced work in mathematical physics, econophysics, and other fields that study systems with infinite degrees of freedom. The motivated student may thus expect to acquire a mathematical foundation that spans across several disciplines.	See and Learn Algebra Camp This camp was successfully inaugurated in August 2005. It introduces elementary school children to algebra. Through the use of manipulatives, children in grades 2-5 learn principles of algebra that are typically not introduced until high school or beyond.
Mathematical Finance This online seminar series will cover a broad range of topics in applied mathematics, in the context of derivatives pricing and risk management. It is geared toward graduate students or researchers from other fields who would like to transition to research in mathematical and computational finance. Topics to be covered include stochastic processes, numerical solution of partial differential equations, applied probability and statistics, inverse problems, etc. In addition, practical strategies for trading and risk managing derivatives will also be covered.	Computer Modeling Camp High school students will learn how to model complex decentralized systems on the computer. This bottom up approach to investigating system models will provide students with hands-on experience on modeling techniques that transcend disciplinary boundaries.