William Kath

William Kath is a Professor of Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics and holds a courtesy appointment in Neurobiology at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering. He is the Margaret B. Fuller Boos Professor and Deputy Director of the National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology. His research focuses on quantitative biological modeling, computational neuroscience, and optics, with notable contributions to circadian rhythms and neuronal circuit analysis.

Education

• Ph.D. Applied Mathematics, California Institute of Technology
• S.B. Mathematics, MIT

Research Interests

Dr. Kath’s work spans quantitative biology, computational neuroscience, and applied mathematics. He develops models for circadian rhythms, neuronal circuits in Drosophila, and optical systems. His EMBEDR algorithm distinguishes signal from noise in single-cell omics data. He also studies stochastic dynamics, nonlinear optics, and parametric amplification in fiber communications.

Awards and Recognition

• Fellow of the Optical Society of America (Optica)
• ASEE Mathematics Division Distinguished Educator and Service Award
• Mccormick School Teaching Award

Advising and Grants

He has advised numerous graduate students and collaborates with labs such as Gallio and Dombeck. His grants include funding for interdisciplinary training in quantitative biological modeling.

Labs and Affiliations

Affiliated with the Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems, he serves as Editor of Wave Motion and Deputy Director of the National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology.