POSTDOC
Princeton University
Postdoctoral Teaching Fellows Program

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Dr. Sima Setayeshgar
I am a fellow in the Program in Applied and Computational Mathematics (PACM). I was an undergraduate in Physics and Mathematics at MIT, and a graduate student in Physics at Caltech, where I also had the opportunity to teach extensively. I was a postdoc in Caltech Applied Math, before coming to Princeton in Fall 2000.

My general area of research is nonequilibrium pattern formation. At present, I am working on two areas: (1) nonlinear wave propagation in excitable systems, with application to the heart, and (2) understanding the collective behaviour of bacteria, such as aggregation and pattern formation, from the individual's sensory network and motor properties. My research collaborator at Princeton is Yannis Kevrekidis, who is a faculty member in PACM and Chemical Engineering.

During Spring 2000, I was involved in teaching PHY111 with Paul Steinhardt in Physics. This modern physics course for nonscientists has been redesigned by Paul to have an overarching cosmology theme, emphasizing that the same laws of physics are at work here on earth and in the universe, as well as exposing students to the new and exciting developments in the field. In addition to teaching labs and sections, I helped in devising weekly homework assignments, exams, and labs. In Spring 2001, I will be working in with Ingrid Daubechies on teaching and designing new modules for MAT199, an innovative Mathematics course for nonmajors that has been put together by her.

I enjoy teaching and learning with students. Although good preparation and presentation are essential, the interactive aspects of the teaching process are also important in teaching well. I believe that the bulk of learning takes place through asking questions. For this reason, I think it is important to foster an environment that is friendly and non-intimidating, yet thought-provoking and energetic as a way of encouraging thinking and asking of questions.