Norfolk State University

Title: Mathematical Modeling of Addictive Behavior

Directors:

Aprillya Lanz
Terry Alford

Email:

Dates of Program: June 4 - July 16, 2012

Summary:

This program will follow the structure of the successful Mathematical and Theoretical Biology Institute (MTBI) at Arizona State University (ASU). Four Norfolk State students will work on modeling addictive behavior using the compartmental models such as those used in mathematical biology. Students will learn how to build mathematical models via identifying the problem, determining the necessary assumptions, finding the interrelationships among the variables, setting up the model, and interpreting the results given by their models. While working on their projects, students will learn how to modify a simple compartmental model such as SIR and determine the system of differential equations that represent a problem of addictive behavior and how to interpret the solutions obtained for the problem.

Student Researchers Supported by MAA: