Aresty Research Assistant
Project Title: Computational modeling of opinion dynamics in social networks
Project Summary: For centuries, human societies have been shaped by the spread of opinions. From political movements to viral trends, ideas flow through networks, influencing minds and driving change. But how does this process actually work? What invisible forces dictate whether an idea thrives or fades? Traditional computational models have attempted to answer these questions, but they often fall short, assuming individuals’ behaviors are mostly homogeneous, ignoring the complexity of real-world dynamics.
The Aresty Summer Science Project will focus on implementing and validating a multi-agent computational model of opinion dynamics that incorporates heterogeneous behaviors. Grounded in dynamical systems and control theory, this project seeks to understand how heterogeneity influences the spread and evolution of opinions under different social conditions. The project will involve developing code in Matlab & Python, collecting and curating data, and conducting data analysis and model validation using statistical tools.
Applicant Responsibilities
The student is expected to engage in computer programming and mathematical modeling. In particular, the student will
(1) develop computational models in Matlab/Python,
(2) implement codes for obtaining and analyzing experimental data,
(3) develop codes for model calibration and validation.
The student is expected to be proactive, communicative, and interested in computational modeling, social systems algorithms, and mathematics. Experience with computational modeling and programming is a plus.
Timelines
The first date to apply to this project:
Saturday, March 1, 2025
The last date to apply to this project:
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
The date the research will begin:
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
The date the research will end:
Friday, April 24, 2026
The duration of the project:
Academic Year
Apply at:
https://webapps.rutgers.edu/urs/projects/projectdetails.aspx?ID=12192