How human and animal diseases spread, how trees move in wind, and how confined fluids flow are among topics of research conducted by undergraduate mathematicians from across the Pacific Northwest who met recently at WSU to discuss their work.
A recent study by senior biochemistry major Dana Pittman has generated an accurate mathematical model for mouse populations, showing how they could impact disease transmission of hantavirus, an infection spread through mouse feces. Mathematical modeling is a very powerful tool because it allows scientists to investigate natural phenomena without wasting the time and resources needed.
More than one-third of the students who presented posters at the Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities on March 28 will receive monetary awards for their top-quality efforts.