Daniel Abrams

Daniel Abrams is Professor of Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics and (by courtesy) Physics and Astronomy at Northwestern University, where he co-directs the Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems (NICO). His research creates simplified mathematical models to study nonlinear dynamics across physics, social systems, and geoscience.

Education includes:

• NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Mathematical Sciences, MIT
• PhD Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Cornell University
• BS (Hons) Applied Physics, Caltech

Research explores coupled oscillators, social physics, and mathematical geoscience through analytical techniques. Current projects examine synchronization phenomena, opinion dynamics, and medical applications of dynamical systems.

Recent publications show strong focus on mathematical modeling of social interactions and healthcare applications, particularly pain assessment in sickle cell disease using wearable technology and machine learning.

Awards and honors:

• James S. McDonnell Foundation Scholar (2010-2015)
• NPR's 'Most Likely to Blow Your Mind' award (2012)
• Fulbright Scholar (2010)
• Multiple NSF fellowships

Leads interdisciplinary teams at NICO developing data-driven approaches to complex systems. Maintains collaborations with medical researchers on technology-assisted pain management.