James Powell
February 15, 2002


Sketch for 2001 Commencement Program, College of Science ``Teacher of the Year''.



Department of Mathematics and Statistics email: powell@math.usu.edu
Utah State University Phone: +01 (435) 797-1953
Logan, Utah 84322-3900 Fax: +01 (435) 797-1822
USA http://www.math.usu.edu/~powell


Academic Experience

Research Interests/Specializations

Awards

Work in Progress:

  1. Modelling and analyzing emergent dynamics which arise in Autonomous Negotiating Teams (with D. Watson, USU Department of Computer Science and T. Moon, USU Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering).
  2. Studying the seasonality of poikiliothermic organisms and influence of temperature on ovipositional cycles using dynmamical systems theory (with J. Logan and B. Bentz, USDAFS MPB Project, Logan Forestry Sciences Lab and E. Gilbert and J. Jenkins, Industrial Master's Program, USU).
  3. Bio-energetics of flight applied to finding the optimum trajectory for foraging swans (with H. Tangermann and Dr. Terry Messmer, Fisheries and Wildlife, USU and V. Roy, US Fish and Wildlife Service).
  4. Developing homogenization techniques to address issues of scale in ecology and biology (with Niklaus Zimmerman, Swiss WSL).
  5. Study of spatio-temporal dynamics of beetle invasions in pine forests (with D.R. Cutler, Statistics, B. Bentz, Pine Beetle Project Leader, and J. Logan, Project Scientist, Rocky Mountain Research Station, USDAFS).

Proposals Funded

  1. Homogenization Applied to Integrate Across Spatial and Temporal Scales in Forest/Insect Ecology (NSF, 2000-03, $\sim$ $320,000, J.P. was PI; co-PIs: B. Bentz (USDA-FS), D.R. Cutler (Stats), J. Logan (USDA-FS)).
  2. Predicting Emergent Dyanamics of ANT Systems, DARPA, 2000-03 ( $\sim \$460,000$, J.P. was PI; co-PIs: T. Moon (Engineering), D. Watson (Computer Science)).
  3. Optimal Flight Dynamics as a Limiting Factor to Trumpeter Swan Migration, Utah Mineral Lease Replacement Fund, 2000-01 ($\sim \$40,000$, J.P. was PI; co-PI: V. Roy (USFWS)).
  4. International Collaboration on Modelling Biocontrol of Fungal Pathogens, NSF, 1998-2000 ($\sim \$11,000$, J.P. was PI).
  5. BioMathLab: Modelling Biological Processes in the Laboratory, FIPSE, 1997-2000 ( $\sim \$318,000$, J. Haefner (Biology) was PI; J.P. was co-PI with J. Koebbe (Math), J. Cangelosi (Math), A. Lindahl (Biology)).
  6. Acquisition of a High-Performance Computer for Mathematical Sciences Applications, NSF/MRI 1997-99 ( $\sim \$150,000$, J.P. was co-PI, then acting PI; H. Walker was initial PI; co-PIs: A. Cutler (Stats), K. Hestir (Math), E. Stone (Math)).
  7. Developing an Integro-Difference Approach to MPB Dispersal, USDA/FS, 1996-97 ($\sim \$17,000$). Proposal funded postdoctoral associate and development of integro-difference emulation strategy for the MPB dispersal model.
  8. NSF REU Supplement to Nonlinear self-focussing... grant, 1996-97, ($\sim \$10,000$). Proposal funded research for two undergraduates.
  9. Predicting Bark Beetle Dispersal in Western Forests, Utah Mineral Lease Proposal, 1996-97 ($\sim \$45,000$). Funded data collection, parametrization and validation of MPB dispersal model. (J.P. was PI; co-PIs: B. Bentz (USDA-FS), J. Logan (USDA-FS), D. Roberts (Forestry))
  10. Spatial Invasion of Pine Beetles into Lodgepole Forests, Year 2, USDA/FS Proposal, 1995-96 ($\sim \$32,000$). Proposal continued postdoctoral funding and development of `local' projections for global models. (J.P. was PI; co-PIs: B. Bentz (USDA-FS), J. Logan (USDA-FS))
  11. Nonlinear Self-Focussing as a Mechanism for Generating Spatial Complexity in Ecosystems, NSF, 1995-97 ($\sim \$50,000$). (J.P. was PI; co-PIs: B. Bentz (USDA-FS), J. Logan (USDA-FS), D. Roberts (Forestry))
  12. Southwest Regional Institute for Mathematical Sciences (SWRIMS) NSF, (W.Y. Velez was P.I, USU a collaborative institution with the University of Arizona), 1995-97 ($\sim \$70,000$). Proposal funded integration of research and education at levels from high school to university.
  13. Spatial Invasion of Pine Beetles into Lodgepole Forests, USDA/FS, 1994-95 ($\sim \$35,000$). Proposal funded a postdoctoral associate and development of spatial dispersal model for MPB.
  14. Study of Optical Shock Formation in Self-Focussing, Ultra-Short Pulses, University Faculty Research Grant 1991-92 ($\sim \$10,000$).
  15. Proposal to the SCREMS program, NSF, for an improved graphical computing environment in the math department. (J.Powell was co-PI, proposal written with J. Koebbe, K. Hestir, H. Walker.)
  16. Safety Standard Development for Ultra-Short Laser Pulses, AFOSR, 1990-91. (J.V. Moloney was PI; co-PIs: A.C. Newell and J.Powell)

Publications

Refereed Journals:

  1. Jesse A. Logan, Jacques Regniere and James A. Powell, 2003. ``Assessing the Impacts of Global Warming on Forest Pest Dynamics,'' Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 1(3): 130-137.
  2. M. de Jong, G. Bourdôt, J. Powell and J. Goudriaan. ``A model of the escape of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum ascospores from pasture,'' Ecological Modeling 150: 83-105, 2002.
  3. R. Etienne, B. Wertheim, L. Hemerik, P. Schneider and J. Powell. ``The interaction between dispersal, the Allee effect and scramble competition affects population dynamics,'' Ecological Modelling 148: 153-168, 2002.
  4. J.A. Logan and J.A. Powell. ``Ghost Forests, Global Warming and the Mountain Pine Beetle,'' American Entomologist 47: 160-173, Fall 2001.
  5. J.L. Jenkins, J.A. Powell, J.A. Logan and B.J. Bentz. ``Low seasonal temperatures promote life cycle synchronization,'' Bulletin of Math Biology 63: 573-595, 2001.
  6. W. van der Werf, E.W. Evans and J. Powell. ``Measuring and modelling dispersal of Coccinella septempunctata in alfalfa fields,'' European Journal of Entomology 97: 487-493, 2001.
  7. J. Powell, J. Jenkins, J. Logan and B. Bentz. ``Seasonal Temperature Alone Can Synchronize Life Cycles,'' Bulletin Math. Biology 62: 977-998, 2000.
  8. K. A. M. Engelhardt, V. L. Roy, J. A. Powell, and J. A. Kadlec. ``Evaluation of translocation criteria: a case study with trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator).'' Biological Conservation 94: 173-181 (2000).
  9. Z. Biesinger, J. Powell, B. Bentz and J. Logan. ``Direct and Indirect Parametrization of a Localized Model for the Mountain Pine Beetle - Lodgepole Pine System,'' Ecological Modelling 129: 273-296, 2000.
  10. R. Etienne, B. Wertheim, L. Hemerik, P. Schneider and J. Powell. ``Dispersal may enable persistence of fruit flies suffering from the Allee effect and scramble competition,'' Proceedings of the Dutch Entomological Society (11): 121-128, 2000.
  11. W. van der Werf, E.W. Evans and J. Powell. ``Dispersal of Coccinella septempunctata in Utah alfalfa,'' Proceedings of the Dutch Entomological Society (11): 135-144, 2000.
  12. J. Powell and K.A.M. Engelhardt. ``Optimal trajectories for the short-distance foraging flights of swans,'' J. Theor. Biology 204: 415-430 (2000).
  13. J. Powell, B. Kennedy, P. White, B. Bentz, J. Logan and D. Roberts. ``Mathematical elements of attack risk analysis for mountain pine beetles,'' J. Theor. Biol. (204): 601-620, 2000.
  14. J. Powell, J. Tams, B. Bentz and J. Logan. ``Theoretical Analysis of `Switching' in a Localized Model for Mountain Pine Beetle Mass Attack,'' J. Theor. Biology volume 194, pp. 49-63, (1998).
  15. J. Powell, J. Cangelosi, AM. Harris. ``Games to teach mathematical modelling,'' SIAM Review, volume 40, no. 1, pp. 87-95 (1998).
  16. J. Logan, P. White, B. Bentz and J. Powell. ``Model analysis of the temporal evolution of spatial patterns in mountain pine beetle outbreaks," Theor. Pop. Biology 53: 236-255, 1998.
  17. J. Powell, T. McMillen and P. White. ``Connecting a Chemotactic Model for Mass Attack to a Rapid Integro-Difference Emulation Strategy,'' SIAM J. Appl. Math vol. 59, no. 2, pp 547-572 (1998).
  18. K.A. Mott, F. Denne and J. Powell. ``Interactions among stomata in response to perturbations in humidity,'' Plant, Cell and Environment 20: 1098-1107 (1997).
  19. P. White and J. Powell. ``Spatial invasion of pine beetles into lodgepole forests: a numerical approach,'' SIAM J. Sci. Comp., vol. 20, no. 1, pp 164-184 (1998).
  20. P. White and J. Powell. ``Phase transition from environmental to dynamic determinism in mountain pine beetle attack,'' Bull. Math. Biol. 59:609-643, 1998.
  21. B.J. Bentz, J.A. Powell and J.A. Logan. ``Spatial and temporal attack dynamics of the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) in lodgepole pine," USDA/FS Research Note INT-RP-494, November 1996.
  22. B.J. Bentz, J.A. Logan and J.A. Powell. ``Spatial and Temporal Attack Dynamics of the Mountain Pine Beetle: Implications for Management.'' IN Integrating Cultural Tactics into the Mangement of Bark Beetle and Reforestation Pests; Editors: J. C Gregoire, A.M. Liebhold, F.M Stephen, K.R. Day, and S.M. Salom; USDA Forest Service GTR-NE-236, pp: 153-162, 1996.
  23. J. Powell and J. Rose. ``Local consequences of a global model for mountain pine beetle mass attack,'' Dynamics and Stability of Systems 12:1, 3-24 February, 1997.
  24. J. Powell. ``Conditional stability of front solutions,'' J. Math. Biol 35: 729-47, 1997.
  25. J. Powell, J.A. Logan and B.J. Bentz. ``Local projections for a global model of mountain pine beetle attacks,'' J. Theor. Biol. 179, 243-260, 1996.
  26. J. Powell, E.M. Wright, J.V. Moloney. ``Reflection of localized beams from a nonlinear absorbing interface,'' SIAM J. Appl. Math, Vol. 54, 774-788, June 1994.
  27. J. Powell, J.V. Moloney, A.C. Newell and R.A. Albanese. ``Beam collapse as an explanation for anomalous ocular damage,'' JOSA B, Vol 10, 1230-1241, July, 1993.
  28. J. Powell and P.K. Jakobsen. ``Localized states in fluid convection and multi-photon lasers,'' Physica D 64, 132-52, 1993.
  29. J. Powell and M. Tabor. ``Non-generic connections corresponding to front solutions,'' J. Phys. A 25, 3773-3796, 1992.
  30. J. Powell, A.C. Newell and C.K.R.T. Jones. ``Competition between generic and nongeneric fronts in envelope equations,'' Phys. Rev. A 44, 3636-3652, 1991.
  31. C.K.R.T. Jones, T.M. Kapitula and J. Powell. ``Nearly real fronts in a Ginzburg-Landau equation,' Proc. Roy. Soc. Edinburgh 116A, 193-206, 1990.
  32. C. Tremback, J. Powell, W. Cotton, R. Pielke. ``The forward-in-time upstream advection scheme: extension to higher orders,'' Monthly Weather Rev. 115, 540-555, 1987.

Submitted to Refereed Journals:

  1. J.A. Powell, I. Slapnicar and W. van der Werf. ``Predicting the Spread of Plant Disease: Analysis of an Infinite-Dimensional Leslie Matrix Model for Phytophthora infestans,'' submitted to SIAM Journal of Applied Math, May, 2002.
  2. J.A. Powell and N.E. Zimmermann. ``Multi-Scale Analysis of Seed Dispersal Contributes to the Resolution of Reid's Paradox,'' submitted to Ecology, February, 2002.
  3. J.A. Powell and K.A. Sullivan. ``The Energetics of Bird Migration: An Applied Project in Optimization,'' submitted to SIAM Review, August, 2000.

Ph.D Thesis:

Non-refereed Publications:

  1. Black, K., J.A. Powell, J.A. Logan anbd B.J. Bentz. Epidemic Waves in a Discreete Time Model of Bark Beetle Infestation, poster presented at the 2001 Society of Math Biology Meeting, Hilo, Hawaii.
  2. Logan, J.A., B.J. Bentz, and J.A. Powell. 2001. Ghost forests, global warming, and the mountain pine beetle. In Volney, W.J.A., J.R. Spence and E.M Lefebvre (eds), Boreal Odyssey: Proceedings of the North American Forest Insect Work Conference, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, pp. 27-28.
  3. Bentz, B.J., J.A. Logan, J.A. Powell, and E. Hanks. 2001. Modeling the impacts of temperature on the population dynamics of the mountain pine beetle. In Volney, W.J.A., J.R. Spence and E.M Lefebvre (eds), Boreal Odyssey: Proceedings of the North American Forest Insect Work Conference, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, pp. 101.
  4. Bentz, B.J., J.A. Logan, and J.A. Powell. Mountain pine beetle population distribution: influences of an adaptive seasonality. . In Volney, W.J.A., J.R. Spence and E.M Lefebvre (eds), Boreal Odyssey: Proceedings of the North American Forest Insect Work Conference, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, pp. 151.
  5. J. Logan, P. White, B. Bentz and J. Powell. ``Model analysis of spatial patterns in mountain pine beetle outbreaks.'' Proceedings, First Biennial American Forest Ecology Workshop (abstract of presented paper), 1997.
  6. B.J. Bentz, J.A. Logan and J.A. Powell. ``Spatial and temporal attack dynamics of the mountain pine beetle: Implications for Management,'' proceedings of the joint meeting of IUFRO Working Parties on Population Dynamics of Forest Insects, Vallombrosa, Italy, September 1996.
  7. B.J. Bentz, J.A. Powell and J.A. Logan. ``Self-focusing and Self-dissipation: Strategies for Mountain Pine Beetle Survival.'' Proceedings: North American Forest Insect Work Conference (abstract), Texas Forest Service Publication 160, April 1996.
  8. P. White and J. Powell. Computational Labs in Mathematica for Vector Calculus, 1996.
  9. J.V. Koebbe and J. Powell. Mathematica in Context: Applied Problem Solving with the Aid of a Computer. Pre-published text for use in Math 462-63, Computer Aided Mathematics for Teachers, Scientists and Engineers.
  10. J. Powell. Beam Collapse in the Human Eye. Research report under AFOSR grant number 910074, October, 1990.
  11. J. Powell. Beam Collapse in the Human Eye: Numerical Model. Research report under AFOSR grant number 910074, April, 1991.
  12. J. Powell and A. Bernoff. ``Saddle-node bifurcation of slowly-varying, nonlinear travelling waves,'' technical report written for research under AFOSR grant number 900021, May, 1989.

Pedagogical Accomplishments

Conferences/Workshops Organized:

  1. Spatio-Temporal Models in Ecology: An Introduction to Integro-Difference Equations. Post-graduate course sponsored by the Graduate School, Wageningen Agricultural University, Wageningen, the Netherlands, February, 1999. To be repeated in Spring, 2001.
  2. Spatial Dynamics in Ecology: Redefining the Paradigm. Mini-symposium proposed for the SIAM General Meeting, June 1997.
  3. SWRIMS Biology/Applied Math Instruction Model Workshop for high school and college instructors, sponsored by NSF through SWRIMS, November, 1995.
  4. Mathematical Models of Population Dynamics, sponsored by NSF through SWRIMS, August, 1995.
  5. Singularities in Physical Systems, USU mini-conference, June, 1992.

Invited Talks:

  1. The Mathematical Basis for Modelling Insect Seasonality, Joint Meetings of the Entomological Societies of America and Canada, Montreal, December, 2000; Natural Resource Ecology Lab (CSU), January, 2001.
  2. Quantitative Environmental Biology Workshop, NSF-sponsored, invitation-only workshop to help determine future directions for quantitative enviroinmental biology. San Diego Supercomputer Institute, September, 2000.
  3. Teaching Mathematics in the Biology Classroom: BioMathLab at Utah State University. Annual meeting of the Society of Mathematical Biology, Salt Lake City, Utah, August, 2000.
  4. Spatio-Temporal Models in Ecology: An Introduction to Integro-Difference Equations. Two-week post-graduate workshop taught at Wageningen University, the Netherlands, February, 1999; to be repeated Spring, 2001.
  5. Mathematical Elements of Spatial Risk Analysis in the MPB/Forest System, International Workshop on Spatially Heterogenous Problems in Ecology and Epidemiology, Fifth International Conference in Mathematical Population Dynamics, Zakopane, Poland, June 1998. (Also presented in: Theoretical Production Ecology Workgroup and Sub-department of Entomology, Wageningen Agricultural University, 1999; Gödöllö Agricultural University, Gödöllö, Hungary, May 1999).
  6. Dynamics of Mass Attack: Local Projections of Global Models, presented at the Interdisciplinary Nonlinear Dynamics Seminar, USU, Nov. 1995. Also invited to National Forest Insect Work Conference, April, 1996, and Gordon Research Conference, June 1996.
  7. Mathematical Issues in Ultra-Short Propagation, presented at Physics Coloquium, USU, Nov. 1995.
  8. Mathematical Models of Mass Attack in Mountain Pine Beetles at: the Nonlinear Analysis Conference, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, April 1994; the Department of Chemistry, USU, May 1994; Mathematical Biology Seminar, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, May 1994; Department of Mathematics, Colorado State University, September, 1994; Department of Biology, USU, November, 1994; Weber State University, February 1995; Mathematical Models in Population Dyanamics Conference, USU, August 1995.
  9. Reflection of Localized Beams from a Nonlinear Absorbing Interface, at the Applied Math Colloquium, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. March, 1993. Presented also at the Applied Math Colloquium, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, April, 1993, and at Idaho State University, November, 1993.
  10. Localized States in Fluid Convection and Multi-Photon Lasers, at the SIAM meeting on Dynamical Systems, Snowbird, UT, October, 1992; Physics Colloquium, Utah State University, May 1992.
  11. Pulse Dynamics at Interfaces between Nonlinear Materials, presented at the Applied Math Colloquium, University of Colorado, Boulder CO. September 1992.
  12. Accuracy-Optmized Approaches to Self-Steepening in Self-Focussing, Ultra-Short Laser Pulses, at the meeting ``Computational Optics and its links to Computational Fluid Dynamics,'' Arizona Center for Mathematical Sciences, Tucson, AZ. March, 1992.
  13. Pulse Dynamics at Interfaces between Nonlinear Materials, presented at the Physics Colloquium, Utah State University, May 1992.
  14. First Year Project Report on Beam Collapse as an Ocular Damage Mechanism, presented to contract monitors and staff at the Directed Energy Division, Radiation Analysis Branch, School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB, San Antonio, Texas. June 1991.
  15. Nongenericity and Stability in Front Solutions, presented at the Applied Math Colloquium, University of Colorado, Boulder CO. October 1990.

Departmental Service

Journals Reviewed For:

European Journal of Applied Math, SIAM Journal of Applied Math, Physica D, Mathematical Reviews, Physical Review A, Ecology, Ecological Monographs, Environmental Entomology, Journal of Mathematical Biology, Journal of Theoretical Biology

Current Students

Graduate: Estella Gilbert (MS-Industrial Math), Chris Retford ((MS-Industrial Math), Heidi Tangermann (MS-Fisheries and Wildlife), Justin Heavilin (Ph.D.-Math)

Undergraduate: Jeff Leek (Math), Sujit John (Math/CS)

Past Students

Graduate: Zy Biesinger (Biology), AnnMarie Harris (MS-Math), Jan Jenkins (MS-Math), Tyler McMillen (MS-Math)

Undergraduate: Zy Biesinger (Biology), Estella Gilbert (Math), Michael Larkin (Math/Education), Bruce Kennedy (Math), Chris Retford (Math), Jason Rose (Math/Physics), David Stowell (Computational Math), Jessica Tams (Math/Physics)

James Powell
2002-02-15