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Professors Steve McCormick, at left, and Tom Manteuffel are creating a numerical model of the arterial connections within the heart to assist pediatric cardiologists.

Applied Mathematics: Department Celebrates Centennial Year

This year, the department begins its celebration of 100 years of teaching and research in applied mathematics at the University of Colorado. In 1906, Boulder was a town of 12,000, the university had only 840 students, and the Department of Engineering Mathematics was formed with one faculty member and two assistants. Over the past 100 years, all three have grown exponentially.

In the 1950s and 1960s the department grew considerably in numbers and with an increasing emphasis on research. The first two PhDs in applied math were awarded in 1954. Since then, many more students have discovered the potential of applied mathematics to solve problems in the real world. These problems often arise in other disciplines, so applied math is intrinsically an interdisciplinary subject.

One area of current research involves a collaboration between applied math faculty Tom Manteuffel and Steve McCormick and researchers in pediatric cardiology. Some children are born without a functioning right heart chamber. Even after surgery, the burden placed on the left side of the heart can cause reduced circulation and serious, long-term damage. The goal of this collaboration is to develop a fast and accurate numerical model of the arterial connections within the heart to help predict the optimal geometric design and reduce energy loss in the blood flow. It is anticipated this will result in an improved outcome for children who need this surgery.

Students in the Department of Applied Mathematics can select from this and many other opportunities that provide a challenging educational experience, including independent projects, research, and other activities.  Over the past few years, almost half of our undergraduates have participated in some type of independent research project, while graduate students explore their research areas in more depth. 

Graduates at all levels are well prepared for a range of professional careers, as well as for further study in a variety of disciplines.