Michael Buksas

Computational Scientist / Applied Mathematician at Los Alamos National Laboratory

Santa Fe, New Mexico Area

Current
  • Staff Scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory
Past
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate at Los Alamos National Laboratory
  • Research Assistant at North Carolina State University
Education
  • North Carolina State University
  • Harvey Mudd College
Connections
58 connections
Industry
Computer Software
Websites

Michael Buksas’s Summary

I believe that writing software well is the key to writing it quickly.

Currently, I do algorithm and software development for numerically intensive physics simulations on parallel computers. I got here though a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics and extensive self-study in software development, computer science and physics.

I specialize in C++ software using both object-oriented and template programming. I have participated in and lead several projects to deliver highly-reliable large-scale software to customers both inside and outside of Los Alamos. These software projects include both stand-alone programs and components in larger software frameworks. They scale from single processor machines to massively parallel clusters.

I am passionate about the rapid development of quality software through the use of solid engineering practices, tools and design.

My goals are to keep learning, and to continue building software that solves difficult problems.

Let me know if I can do this for you.

Michael Buksas’s Specialties:

C++ software development for physics and numerical methods. Parallel computing. Detection and eradication of bad code.


Michael Buksas’s Experience

  • Staff Scientist

    Los Alamos National Laboratory

    (Government Agency; 10,001 or more employees; Defense & Space industry)

    April 2001Present (7 years 6 months)

    Software development for numerical computations in the field of radiation transport.

    In this position I worked with a team of software developer to expand the capabilities of highly-parallel physics simulation software. This included managing customer requirements, algorithm design, and software implementation.

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate

    Los Alamos National Laboratory

    (Government Agency; 10,001 or more employees; Computer Software industry)

    October 1998April 2001 (2 years 7 months)

    Participated in the devlopment of software tools for computational mathematics, esp. Maxwell's equations using mimetic differencing schemes. Researched application of absorbing boundary layers for mesh truncation using these discretizations.

  • Research Assistant

    North Carolina State University

    (Educational Institution; 10,001 or more employees; Research industry)

    September 1993October 1998 (5 years 2 months)

    Did research in preperation for my thesis on the electromagnetic interrogation of dielectric materials for diagnostic testing.


Michael Buksas’s Education

  • North Carolina State University

    Ph.D., Mathematics, 19931998

    Did my Ph.D. work with Dr. H.T. Banks in using electromagnetic waves to interrogate materials as a diagnostic tool. Thesis title: "Modeling, analysis, and implementation of forward and inverse problems in one dimensional electromagnetic scattering with differential and hysteric polarization."

    Published a book based on my thesis with Dr. H.T. Banks and Dr T. Lin: "Electromagnetic Material Interrogation Using Conductive Interfaces and Acoustic Wavefronts" (SIAM)

    Activities and Societies:
    GAANN fellow from the Department of Education.
  • Harvey Mudd College

    B.S., Mathematics, 19891993

    Graduated with Honors and High Distinction (i.e. more classes and good grades). Met lots of smart people.

    Activities and Societies:
    The Muddslingers (juggling club), Gonzo Unicycle Madness, and other Improbable Physical Activities.

Additional Information

Michael Buksas’s Websites:

Michael Buksas’s Interests:

chess, hiking, gardening, home improvement, science fiction, astronomy, evolutionary biology, investing, C++, python, lisp, functional languages, continuous improvement


Michael Buksas’s Contact Settings

Interested In:

  • career opportunities
  • consulting offers
  • new ventures
  • expertise requests
  • reference requests
  • getting back in touch

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