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Professor E’s research primarily focuses on the development of computational algorithms as a means of solving stochastic and multiscale, multi-physics problems in science and engineering. Often his work is motivated by problems that arise in the sciences as he tries to develop the mathematical techniques necessary to solve these problems. Prof. E has devoted much of his research to the study of stochastic partial differential equations as well as to various numerical methods.

E has developed algorithms pertaining to a number of computational problems, including the study of rare events and multi-scale problems. His primarily goal is to develop a mathematical philosophy of sorts that can be used to better understand common computational problems. For example, his development of the string method allowed for a more rigorous and efficient investigation of reaction pathways and the energy landscape. Similarly his work on heterogeneous multiscale modeling (HMM) developed the tools necessary to analyze differential equations and physical systems with separate time and physical scales. Prof. E sees the many sciences as a unified field rather than as isolated disciplines, and his research into computational methods works to build a common foundation upon which they can be analyzed.

After completing his master’s work in China at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, E traveled to UCLA where he received his Ph.D. in mathematics in 1989. He then taught for three years at NYU as a visiting member of the Courant Institute. Following this he spent three years as a long-term member of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton until returning to NYU. In 1999 he joined the Princeton department of mathematics and PACM.

Professor E holds a joint appointment with the department of mathematics and with PACM. He also serves as the undergraduate representative for PACM, advising nearly 25 students each year. He primarily teaches graduate level courses in partial differential equations, numerical methods, and stochastic analysis.

PACM Students advised: Jianfeng Lu, Yulin Xuan, Xiang Zhou, Lin Lin