Modeling and Simulation of Complex Systems

My research primarily involves stochastic simulation (discrete-event, agent-based, and Monte Carlo), statistical data analysis, and optimization approaches in design and operation of complex systems.  My methodological and applied research aim to develop innovative algorithms that contribute to the science of decision-making in a wide range of areas from queueing systems, supply chains, bike sharing, energy, and infrastructure resilience to infectious disease modeling and intersection of production and marketing strategies for innovations.

Funding:

R. Sangwan, S. M. Srinivasan, A. Negahban (co-PI). “Predicting the Level and Impact of Social Distancing Compliance,” Microsoft AI for Health Program, July 2020 – January 2021, $30,000.

A. Negahban (PI).  “Optimizing COVID-19 Testing and Control Strategies in Communities and Public Transportation,” Google COVID-19 Research Grants, July 2020 – November 2020, $9,000.

A. Negahban (PI), O. N. Bjornstad, M. Darayi, G. Qiu. “Optimizing COVID-19 Control Strategies in Public Transportation Enabled by Individual-Level Data Analytics and Simulations,” The Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, April 2020 – October 2020, $15,105.

S. M. Srinivasan, R. Sangwan, A. Negahban (co-PI). “Impact of Social Distancing Measures on Social, Economic, and Emotional Well-Being When Managing Response to Pandemics,” Funded jointly by the Social Science Research Institute, the Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, April 2020 – October 2020, $33,778.

M. Darayi, A. Negahban (co-PI), Q. Qiang, S. M. Srinivasan. “Leveraging Big Data for Holistic Analysis of PA’s Freight Transportation Infrastructure Resilience Subject to Natural and Man-Made Disasters,” The Center for Security Research and Education (CSRE), The Pennsylvania State University. January 2019 – December 2019, $71,437.

A. Negahban (PI), G. Qiu, M. Stutman, S. W. Wagner. “Energy Efficient Buildings: Using Data Analytics to Incorporate Occupancy in Scheduling and Load Profiling,” Institutes for Energy and the Environment, The Pennsylvania State University. April 2018 – June 2019, $33,050.

Immersive Simulation-Based Learning

My research in this area aims to address the paucity of scientific evidence regarding novel learning environments enabled by immersive simulations in STEM education. My work in this context responds to the need for properly trained workers to fill jobs created by emerging technologies and to the growing need for innovative approaches to STEM education and workforce development. More information and open online immersive simulation PBL modules can be found on the project’s website: https://sites.psu.edu/immersivesimulationpbl/

Funding:

A. Negahban (PI), O. Ashour, S. Ozden.  “Overcoming critical skill gaps in residential and online STEM education via novel immersive, industry-aligned simulated environments,” National Science Foundation (ECR program). June 2020 – May 2023, $831,276.

A. Negahban (PI), O. Onipede, S. Ozden, O. Ashour, C. Millet. “Transforming Online and On-Campus Education through Simulated Real-World Inspired Industry Projects,” University Strategic Initiative Seed Grants, The Pennsylvania State University. January 2019 – December 2020, $59,348.

A. Negahban (PI). “Virtual Reality-Enabled Simulation Modules for Teaching and Learning of Modeling Concepts,” Teaching & Learning Innovation Grant, The Pennsylvania State University, February 2019 – May 2020, $8,200.