Harrison Bauman

Research Area: Adaptive structured grid generation for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) applications
Undergraduate Institute: St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Hometown: Mechanicsville, MD

Why did you choose AMSC?
I have always been interested in the intersection of physics, mathematics, and computer science. In my last year of undergrad, I came across the program website somewhat by chance. After reading the course schedule and associated syllabi for the Scientific Computing program, I realized it was exactly what I would want if I could design my own graduate program.

What are your research interests and why? How did you discover this interest?
I continue to be fascinated with the application of high-performance, parallel systems to solving problems. In particular, I’m interested in solving partial differential equations (PDEs) on these systems. I expressed this interest to Dr. Johan Larsson and he suggested I work on his project for adaptive structured grid generation. Our current approach involves solving the Euler-Lagrange equations for minimizing a functional, which means I have the opportunity to investigate methods for a set of PDEs that haven’t been studied before!

What do you do in your free time to keep a work/life balance during graduate school?
I’m an active biker and commute using my bike every day. I love going on rides with fellow students, exploring the surrounding area and DC. When I’m at home, I tinker with everything that I can get my hands on: I have a 3D printer and a closet full of tools that get a lot of use! When I get tired of all of that, I love to curl up with a good sci-fi or fantasy book for an afternoon to recharge.

What is your favorite thing about University of Maryland and why?
I love the flexibility and responsiveness of many of the administrators and program managers to the needs of their students. I feel strongly that if I ever have difficulties that I can reach out and they will work with me to come to a solution.

What advice would you give to incoming students?
I would suggest you make the most of your time at UMD. Join clubs, explore the area, and mostly importantly get involved in the things that are important to you. We all bring different viewpoints!