Nathan Powel
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What they do:
- He is a graduate research assistant in the Nonlinear Dynamics and Controls Lab at UW. He implements control algorithms (such as target tracking and collision avoidance algorithms) and tests them on robotic fish.
- Another duty is investigating the effects of communication limitations on the performance of groups of coordinated vehicles.
Math on the job:
- The dynamics of the coordinated vehicles that Nathan is investigating are given in terms of nonlinear systems of first order differential equations. The networking and communication between the vehicles can be described with the help of a combination of graph theory and linear algebra. He uses tools from these fields to draw conclusions about the behavior of the systems as a whole.
Nathan's background:
- Nathan received his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Bachelor of Science A.A.E. in Aeronautics and Astronautics in Spring, 2009.
- Nathan double-degreed as an undergraduate in Mathematics and Aeronautics and Astronautics.
- He also worked in the Nonlinear Dynamics and Controls Lab while an undergrad. While there, he got alot of hands on experience in robotics (and with the robotic fish in particular), programming, and engineering.
- When Nathan entered the University of Washington, he knew he wanted to either get a degree in aerospace engineering or math becuase he thought both fields were interesting. During his sophomore year, he realized that he didn't have to choose one or the other and decided to major in both.
- Math was one of his best subjects in high school and he had several excellent math teachers who sparked his interested in studying math. His interest in aerospace engineering was probably sparked by all the science fiction he liked to read.
Advice for students:
- Get involved in research as early as possible. The things you learn in the classroom are important but incomplete. Class gives you the knowledge, but working in research gives you practical and marketable skills to complement your education.
- At the University of Washington, the professors focus a great deal on their research and the way to get the most out of them is to join them in their work.