Carl Simon

Carl Simon is a Professor Emeritus of Mathematics, Economics, and Public Policy at the University of Michigan. He holds affiliations with the Center for Russian, East European, & Eurasian Studies (CREES), the Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia (WCEE), and the International Institute. Simon earned his PhD in Mathematics from Northwestern University in 1970. His research focuses on dynamical systems applied to economic systems, public policy optimization, epidemiological modeling (including the spread of diseases like COVID-19), crime dynamics, and ecological systems such as Great Lakes salmon life histories. He has also contributed significantly to the study of health inequalities and complex systems. Simon’s work bridges multiple disciplines, including economics, public health, and environmental science.

His educational background includes teaching calculus at the Ford School of Public Policy for nearly four decades. Notable awards include the LSA Distinguished Senior Lecturer (2007) and the U-M Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award (2012). Simon’s career includes roles as founding director of the U-M Center for the Study of Complex Systems and former director of the Science, Technology, and Public Policy program at the Ford School. His research emphasizes applying mathematical models to real-world challenges, such as vaccination strategies, crime prevention, and environmental policy.

Key contributions include modeling the spread of infectious diseases (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 mutations) and analyzing social systems like smoking initiation and crime networks. His interdisciplinary approach has informed public health policies and academic frameworks for understanding complex societal issues.