Adam David Scott 1
www.AdamScottPhD.com amviot@gmail.com
(573)-745-0514
Center for Neurodynamics
Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of Missouri at St. Louis
One University Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63121
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Computational modeling physicist with extensive experience designing and programming mathematical and physical models. Specialized in biophysics of evolution, working with an agent-based model to study and characterize phase transition behaviors dependent upon size of mutations and size of local interactions as well as phase transition influence on speciation dynamics. Has experience modifying existing programs as well as developing entirely new programs. Has implemented automation, optimization, and parallelization in program design and data analyses. Programming experience with C, C++, C#, Matlab, Octave, Python, and Java. Has some experience with game programming, Android app development, and webpage design. US citizen.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. Physics
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Expected 2013 – University of Missouri at St. Louis , St. Louis, MO
Co-op through Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO
Dissertation adviser: Dr. Sonya Bahar (314-516-7150, bahars@umsl.edu)
GPA: 4.0/4.0
Master of Science Physics
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2009 – University of Missouri at St. Louis , St. Louis, MO
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Bachelor of Arts Physics Bachelor of Arts Mathematics
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2007 – Drury University , Springfield, MO
Cumulative GPA: 3.6/4.0 Physics GPA: 3.5/4.0
Minor Global Studies
Mathematics GPA: 3.5/4.0
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
University of Missouri at St. Louis , 2008-present
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Computational Evolution Modeling: Reconfigured an in-house program to include new simulation variations, many new agent and cluster-level measures and analyses, more efficient clustering algorithms, greater ease of use, and automated simulation and analysis scheduling within Matlab. A
C++ version of the model was built from scratch to make the program portable. After reconfiguring and developing a new version, simulated data was compared to data from the original design to ensure no changes to the original intent of design and rules governing the model. (dissertation research)
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Computational Neural Disorder Modeling: Developed the mathematics of a dynamically-based model for synaptic variability as a model for neurotransmitter fluctuation in a Hodgkin-Huxley style neuron to model epileptic seizures in a mammalian neocortex. Implemented the extended model within an original program which created a neural network in 1, 2, or 3-dimensions.
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Computational Neural Clustering: Worked with another graduate student and their neural network program to develop and program a clustering algorithm based on synchronization of neurons.
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Neural Electrophysiology: Conducted rat brain surgeries and imaged (intrinsic optical imaging) in vivo drug-induced seizures in the neocortex as a model to study the dynamics of neurons during epileptic seizures

Adam David Scott 2
Drury University & NASA Microgravity University , 2006-2007
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Experimental Biomechanics: Co-designed and constructed a 2-dimensional robotic arm to study microgravity effects on a visco-elastic muscle model in the laboratory and on NASA’s Weightless
Wonder aircraft. The arm was constructed using economical materials such as waste acrylic, fishing line, exercise tubes, and hobby servos making it one of the lowest budget but still highly successful research projects among other groups in the NASA program. Programming work included learning and aiding with creation of Matlab mex-files and developed automated commands with DOS batch files to use a “two-click” method to send commands to the robotic arm. (undergraduate physics major research, adviser Dr. Greg Ojakangas)
Drury University , 2005-2007
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Computational Signal processing: Designed a “wah” guitar pedal effect to study digital signal processing, especially the use of band-pass filters and wave-modulation. (undergraduate mathematics major research, adviser Dr. Scott Simmons)
University of Arkansas – Fayetteville , 2006
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Computational Condensed Matter Physics: Determined optical properties of two semiconductor nanostructures, CdSe and CdS Zinc-Blende quantum dots. Used computer simulations to introduce semi-empirical pseudo potentials to each atom in the quantum dots (single particle picture method) to calculate the bulk band structure, the confinement energy of the band edge and of the single particle gap, the electron-hole Coulomb energy, the exciton energy, and the electron transition probabilities.
(research experience for undergraduates, adviser Dr. Huaxiang “Henry” Fu)
COMPUTER LANGAUAGES & SKILLS
Languages
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Matlab, C++, C, Python, Java, C#, Octave, HTML, CSS, JavaScript
Advanced Libraries
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Matlab Parallel Processing Toolbox, CUDA, MPI, OpenMP, DirectX, XNA Game Studio
Software
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Matlab; Sigma Plot; NEURON; Visual Studio; Excel; Word; PowerPoint; Expression
WORKSHOPS & CONFERENCES
Evolution
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Ottawa, Canada, 2012, Poster : “Clustering and Phase Transitions on a Neutral Landscape”
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Portland, OR, 2010, Poster : “Adaptation of Mutation in a Computational Evolutionary Model”
The American Physical Society March Meeting ; Boston, MA, 2012
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Talk : “Clustering and Phase Transitions on a Neutral Landscape”
University of Missouri at St. Louis – Graduate Research Fair ; St. Louis, MO, 2011
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Poster : “Computational Evolution Modeling and Neutral Theory”
NEURON ; San Diego, CA, 2010
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Workshop : Learned to model neurons and networks of neurons with the software, Neuron and programming in Python
Dynamics of Bursting Activity of Neurons ; Atlanta, GA, 2010
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Workshop : Attended talks focused on current research of neural bursting dynamics in model systems

Kappa Mu Epsilon National Convention ; 2004, 2005, 2006
 Attended the mathematics honor society’s national conventions
SOCIETIES & INVOLVEMENT
University of Missouri at St. Louis
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Graduate Student Advisory Committee to the Dean o Representative for the Department of Physics and Astronomy, 2011-2012
Adam David Scott 3
Drury University
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Sigma Pi Sigma , 2007 o Helped to revive Drury’s chapter after 37 years of inactivity, 2006
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Society of Physics Students , 2006-2007 o President , 2006-2007
 Helped to revive Drury’s chapter after 37 years of inactivity, 2006
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Kappa Mu Epsilon , 2004-2007 o President , 2006-2007 o Vice President , 2005-2006
AWARDS
University of Missouri at St. Louis
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Outstanding Poster : Department of Physics & Astronomy Graduate Research Fair, 2012
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Outstanding Teaching Assistant of the Year : Department of Physics & Astronomy, 2009-2010
Drury University
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Outstanding Physics Student : Department of Physics, 2006-2005
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Meritorious Winner : Mathematical Contest in Modeling, 2006
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Honorary Mention : Mathematical Contest in Modeling, 2005