Peter R. Kramer

Research

• Research interests:
  
  • stochastic models in microbiology
  • turbulent transport
  • multiscale random field simulation
  • nonstandard multiple scale asymptotics
  • laser propagation through disordered media
  • weak turbulence theory for discrete lattice models
  • stochastic modeling in ecology
• A short description of some research activities and publications
  

Teaching

Lecture notes and homework problems are available for several of the courses.

• Spring semester, 2009
  • MATH 6790, Stochastic Modeling in Physics and Microbiology
• Fall semester, 2008
  • MATH 6790, Introduction to Stochastic Processes
• Spring semester, 2008
  • Visit to Institute for Mathematics and its Applications at the University of Minnesota for the IMA Thematic Year on "Mathematics of Molecular and Cellular Biology"
• Fall semester, 2007
  • MATP 4960/6960, Advanced Probability Modeling and Techniques
• Spring semester, 2007
  • MATH 6490, Introduction to Stochastic Differential Equations
• Fall semester, 2006
  • MATP 4600/DSES 4750, Probability Theory and Application
• Spring semester, 2006
  • MATH 6790, Introduction to Stochastic Processes
• Fall semester, 2005
  • MATH 6300, Complex Analysis
    
• Spring semester, 2005
  • MATH 6793, Application of Stochastic Techniques to Turbulent Diffusion
  • MATH 2400, Introduction to Differential Equations
• Fall semester, 2004
  • Sabbatical visit to the Biocomputing group at the Freie Universität Berlin
• Spring semester, 2004
  • MATH 6962, Introduction to Stochastic Processes
• Fall semester, 2003
  • MATH 4700, Foundations of Applied Mathematics
  • MATH 6300, Complex Analysis
    
• Spring semester, 2003
  • MATH 6791, Introduction to Turbulent Diffusion
    
  • MATH 4300, Introduction to Complex Variables:  Theory and Applications

Advising

I am part of a team with Isom Herron, Mark Holmes, Gregor Kovacic, and Fengyan Li which has launched a "Computational Science Training in the Mathematical Sciences" program to provide research experiences for mathematically inclined undergraduate students. Qualified mathematics majors may apply for a yearlong research project with a stipend.

Don Drew and I will serve as the advisors for the mathematics majors of the Class of 2011, which could be a rather remarkable journey if Mayan prophecies are accurate.

Mathematical-Related Amusements

Probability meets NCAA March Madness on the local news: a self-aggrandizing look.

With the recent opening of EMPAC, many at Rensselaer are asking...why not apply scientific methodologies to art? Well, I offer one case study undertaken by two Russian emigres in the 1990s that uses statistical analysis and focused research groups to design music and paintings that will be desired or not desired by large fractions of a target population. The piece de resistance is "The Most Unwanted Music" (lyrics), a work of sheer genius that they calculate, under some assumptions of independence of various taste variables, will be liked by no more than 200 people in the world. I appear to be one of them. Sarah Vowell also weighs in.

Personal

I have a few fairly predictable interests (chess, reading, comedy, theater, World Cup soccer, history, philosophy) beyond my academic pursuits.  The most interesting dimension to my personal life is my practice of the Baha'i Faith and participation in the activities of its NewYork Capital District community.

Coordinates

(518) 276-6896 (Voice)
(518) 276-4824 (Fax)
kramep@rpi.edu