Joel Nishimura

Joel Nishimura conducts research in several areas inside of and in the overlap between network science, dynamical systems and mathematical biology. A unifying feature of these systems is that simple rules can create complex behaviors and/or structures. 

In biological settings, when models built from simple rules are able to capture the key qualitative features of observed behaviors these simple rules suggest generalizable principles, intuitions or forces. In network settings, simple rules can be the basis for predictive, inferential or statistical algorithms. In engineered settings, simple rules can function as the backbone for surprisingly robust decentralized protocols. Nishimura’s past and current work delves into systems from each of these areas. 

Joel Nishimura received his doctorate from Cornell University in 2013. His dissertation focused on decentralized coordination and addressing the simplest manner in which a disparate number of actors with limited information can coordinate their timing. In his free time, Nishimura enjoys cooking, hiking and the Arizona weather. His office is CLCC 269.