Spring 2015 MnDRIVE Seminar Series

Mehran Mesbahi, University of Washington Networked Systems: Influence Geometry, Compositional Algebra, and Distributed Learning May 4, 2015, 2:30pm; 3-180 Keller Hall

Abstract

In this talk, I will explore a class of results at the intersection of systems and control, optimization, and theory of networks that hint at the emergence of an exciting sub-discipline in system theory. In particular, I will discuss a compositional system theory for network-of-networks, controllability properties of diffusively coupled networks in terms of their symmetry, and distributed learning and adaptation on dynamic networks. Along the way, examples and motivations for studying such systems in the context of human-swarm interaction as well as distributed autonomous and semi-autonomous networks will be discussed.

Biosketch

Mehran Mesbahi received his PhD from University of Southern California in 1996. He was a member of the Guidance, Navigation, and Analysis group at JPL from 1996-2000 and an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics at University of Minnesota from 2002-2002. He is currently a Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics and an Adjunct Professor of Mathematics at the University of Washington and the Executive Director of the Joint Center for Aerospace Technology Innovation. He is a Fellow of IEEE and the recipient of NSF CAREER Award, NASA Space Act Award, UW Distinguished Teaching Award, and UW College of Engineering Innovator Award. His research interests are autonomous and networked systems, with applications in space systems, robotics, and infrastructure networks.