Clark Musselman, Associate Teaching Professor
Biography
Dr. Musselman received his Ph.D. in applied mathematics from Michigan State University (MSU). He also holds a M.S. in mathematics from Oregon State University and a B.S. in physics and mathematics from Clarkson University. Previously, he taught in both the Mathematics and Physics departments at Western Washington University. Additionally, he spent two years at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, an early college in the Berkshire mountains of Western Massachusetts, where he taught all levels of undergraduate mathematics.
His scholarly work in mathematical physics and applied analysis uses Markov processes, semigroups, and spectral theory to understand the influence of disorder in physical models.
His primary goals as a mathematics teacher are to improve the confidence of his students by working through difficult ideas in supportive environments and, relatedly, to empower them to set high standards for themselves. Further, he aims to instill a sense of curiosity and commitment so that they may meet or exceed their personal goals both in college and after graduation.
Research
As an applied analyst studying mathematical physics, I use spectral theory to understand the influence of disorder on physical models. The theme of this work is that waves which propagate in disordered environments actually have more in common with heat flow than the classic models would suggest. Specifically, I use spectral analysis to understand the semigroups of operators that generate solutions to certain stochastic wave equations. Further, I show that after some time, solutions to these systems lose their wave-like properties and instead, converge to solutions of heat equations.
Education
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
- Ph.D. Applied Mathematics
- Certification in Teaching College Mathematics
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR
- M.Sc. Mathematics
Clarkson University
Potsdam, NY
- B.S. Physics & Mathematics
Contact
Location:
HH-1438
Phone:
425-352-3303
Email:
musselc@uw.edu
Website