CURRENT RESEARCH
Broadly, my research interests are in mathematical modeling of complex social and biological systems. My main thesis work focuses on understanding and predicting how scientists form collaborations at conferences using an applied dynamical systems framework. Other projects include game theory and poker, autonomous vehicles (future adoption, effect on traffic flow), the cyclical nature of fashion trends, and coupled oscillators.
I am also interested in understanding how science diplomacy can promote peace and stability in regions of conflict, particularly the Middle East.
PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS
Zajdela, E. R., Huynh, K., Wen, A. T., Feig, A. L., Wiener, R. J., & Abrams, D. M. (2022). Dynamics of social interaction: Modeling the genesis of scientific collaboration. Physical Review Research, 4(4), L042001. https://journals.aps.org/prresearch/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.4.L042001
Said M, Zajdela ER, Stathopoulos A. (2022) Accelerating Adoption of Disruptive Technologies: Impact of COVID-19 on Intentions to Use On-Demand Autonomous Vehicle Mobility Services. Transportation Research Record. doi:10.1177/03611981221099276
Parsons, K.; Tingley, P.; Zajdela, E.R. (2021) When to Hold ’Em, Mathematics Magazine, 94:3, 201-212, DOI: 10.1080/0025570X.2021.1908785, https://doi.org/10.1080/0025570X.2021.1908785
Zajdela, E.R. & Lerman, Z. (2021). Malta X Anniversary and COVID-19. Chemistry International, 43(2), 16-19. https://doi.org/10.1515/ci-2021-0204
WORK IN PROGRESS
Zajdela, E.R., Nair, G. & Abrams, D.M. Oscillators with amplitudes: does clustering explain chimera states?
Zajdela, E.R.; Huynh, K.; Feig, A.L.; Wiener, R.J. & Abrams, D.M. Is virtual interaction more effective than in-person for social engineering?
Zajdela, E.R.; White, J.H.; Kohlberg, E.; Caticha, A. & Abrams, D.M. Back in fashion: Modeling the cyclical dynamics of trends.
ARTICLES
Zajdela, ER. Catalyzing Collaborations: Modeling the Dynamics of Scientific Collaboration at Conferences. SIAM News Blog, January 21 2022, https://sinews.siam.org/Details-Page/catalyzing-collaborations-modeling-the-dynamics-of-scientific-collaboration-at-conferences.
Guest editorial: Lerman, ZM; Zajdela, ER Malta conferences use science diplomacy as a bridge to peace in the Middle East. Chem. Eng. News, March 16, 2020, 98 (10), p. 2. https://cen.acs.org/education/outreach/Malta-conferences-use-science-diplomacy/98/i10.
Reprinted by permission:
- Lerman, ZM.; Zajdela, ER Chemistry for Peace. The Israel Chemist and Chemical Engineer. July 2020, Issue 6, p. 6-7. https://www.digipage.co.il/projects/2020/ICE/6/6/
- Lerman, ZM; Zajdela, ER Chemistry for Peace. The Chemical Bulletin, April 2020, 107 (4), p.2 https://chicagoacs.starchapter.com/images/downloads/Chemical_Bulletin/2020_04_chembull.pdf
- Lerman, ZM; Zajdela, ER Malta conferences use science diplomacy as a bridge to peace in the Middle East. The Nucleus, April 2020, 98 (8), p. 5. https://www.nesacs.org/pub_nucleus/2020/Apr20NUCLEUS.pdf
Zajdela, E.R. SPOTlight: Science Diplomacy in the Middle East. Science Policy Outreach Taskforce Newsletter, December 2019. https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.northwestern.edu/dist/0/3810/files/2020/04/December-Newsletter-2.pdf