We know them as our teachers, but that is not the only role that they play here at Gordon. Many of them have dedicated their lives to researching particular topics and making contributions to those fields. Two of these individuals are members of the Math Department’s faculty.
Doctors Jonathan Senning and Michael Veatch recently received a substantial grant to further their research project entitled: “Controlling Complex Networks.” Blending both mathematics and computer science, the partners are attempting to enhance the level at which complex computer networks operate by creating new, more efficient algorithms. In order to achieve their goal, Veatch and Senning are relying heavily on students to assist them.
Students are given responsibilities that include researching and reporting their findings in the form of scholarly publications. In fact, acquainting students with the ins and outs of scholarly research is the main purpose of this new grant. The $12,000 grant, which is in addition to an already substantial grant awarded to Veatch and Senning by the National Science Foundation, will allow five additional student researchers to be involved with the team’s project this summer.
The two sought additional funds after the four students who were involved last year responded so positively. Students found the summer research opportunity to be a practical way for them to put their classroom knowledge to work. The subject matter was not simply something that needed to be studied for an exam; it gave them a chance to use what they had learned to make a contribution to their field and to society. At a smaller school like Gordon, this is a unique opportunity for faculty members and students alike.
The research team comprised of Senning, Veatch, and the five new student researchers will continue the work on “Controlling Complex Networks” this summer, thanks to the National Science Foundation.
