Adam David Scott
1
Center for Neurodynamics
Department of Physics and Astronomy
University of Missouri at St. Louis
One University Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63121
Adam David Scott
www.AdamScottPhD.com
adam@AdamScottPhD.com
(573)-745-0514
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Computational 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 (clustering) dynamics. Has experience programming single neuron and
neural networks along with measuring synchronization and clustering of bursting neurons. Has experience
modifying existing scientific programs as well as developing new programs. Has implemented automation,
optimization, and parallelization (multi-core CPU, GPU, and cluster level) in program design and data
analyses. Programming experience with C, C++, C#, Matlab, Octave, Python, and Java. US citizen.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. Physics
 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
 2009 – University of Missouri at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Bachelor of Arts Physics
Bachelor of Arts Mathematics
Minor Global Studies
 2007 – Drury University, Springfield, MO
Cumulative GPA: 3.6/4.0
Physics GPA: 3.5/4.0
Mathematics GPA: 3.5/4.0
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
References available upon request
University of Missouri at St. Louis, 2008-present
 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. Parallelization was
introduced into the Matlab model at the CPU, GPU, and cluster levels. (dissertation research)
 Computational Neural Disorder Modeling: Developed a dynamically-based mathematical model for
synaptic variability as a model for neurotransmitter fluctuation in a modified Hodgkin-Huxley style
neuron to model epileptic seizures in a mammalian neocortex (Wilson model). Implemented the
extended model within an original Matlab program which allowed for a customizable neural network in
1, 2, or 3-dimensions, with a variety of neurons, as well as a variety of connectivity options.
 Computational Neural Clustering: Worked with another graduate student and their neural network
program in Matlab to develop and program a clustering algorithm based on synchronization of neurons.
Adam David Scott
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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
Drury University & NASA Microgravity University, 2006-2007
 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 the 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
 Computational Signal processing: Designed a “wah” guitar pedal effect in Octave 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
 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
 Matlab, C++, C, Python, Java, C#, Octave, HTML, CSS, JavaScript
Advanced Libraries
 Matlab Parallel Processing Toolbox, CUDA, MPI, OpenMP, DirectX, XNA Game Studio, OpenGL
Software
 Matlab; Sigma Plot; NEURON; Visual Studio; Excel; Word; PowerPoint; Expression
WORKSHOPS & CONFERENCES
The American Physical Society March Meeting
 Baltimore, MD, 2013, Talk: “Characterizing Phase Transitions in a Model of Neutral Evolutionary
Dynamics”
 Boston, MA, 2012, Talk: “Clustering and Phase Transitions on a Neutral Landscape”
Evolution
 Snowbird, UT, 2013, Talk: “Mutability Driven Phase Transitions in a Neutral Phenotype Evolution
Model”
 Ottawa, Canada, 2012, Poster: “Clustering and Phase Transitions on a Neutral Landscape”
 Portland, OR, 2010, Poster: “Adaptation of Mutation in a Computational Evolutionary Model”
Adam David Scott
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University of Missouri at St. Louis – Graduate Research Fair
 St. Louis, MO, 2013, Poster: “Directed Percolation in a Neutral Phenotype Evolution Model”
 St. Louis, MO, 2012, Poster: “Clustering and Phase Transitions on a Neutral Landscape”
 St. Louis, MO, 2011, Poster: “Computational Evolution Modeling and Neutral Theory”
NEURON; San Diego, CA, 2010
 Workshop: Learned to model neurons and networks of neurons with Python and the software, Neuron
Dynamics of Bursting Activity of Neurons; Atlanta, GA, 2010
 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
 Society for the Study of Evolution
o Member, 2013
 American Physical Society
o Member, 2011-2013
 Division of Biological Phyiscs (DBio)
 Division of Computational Physics (DComp)
 Graduate Student Advisory Committee to the Dean
o Representative for the Department of Physics and Astronomy, 2011-2013
Drury University
 Sigma Pi Sigma, 2007
o Helped to revive Drury’s chapter after 37 years of inactivity, 2006
 Society of Physics Students, 2006-2007
o President, 2006-2007
 Helped to revive Drury’s chapter after 37 years of inactivity, 2006
 Kappa Mu Epsilon, 2004-2007
o President, 2006-2007
o Vice President, 2005-2006
AWARDS
University of Missouri at St. Louis
 Outstanding Poster: Department of Physics & Astronomy Graduate Research Fair, 2012
 American Association of Physics Teachers: Outstanding Teaching Assistant of the Year: Department of
Physics & Astronomy, 2009-2010 (http://www.aapt.org/Programs/awards/otaawards2010.cfm)
Drury University
 Outstanding Physics Student: Department of Physics, 2006-2005
 Meritorious Winner: Mathematical Contest in Modeling, 2006
 Honorary Mention: Mathematical Contest in Modeling, 2005