Solving Real World Problems with Computer Simulations and Statistical Models

Many modern problems involve computer simulations of physical or social processes, such as rocket science, groundwater contamination remediation, and health care policy.  These simulators are typically very complex and expensive to run.  Statistical models provide a fast approximation to the simulator, as well as a range of tools to help with design, analysis, prediction, and optimization of computer simulators.  This talk will give an overview of these problems and how statistics can be used to improve our scientific knowledge and to make good decisions. Most of the talk will be at a non-technical level, so no prior knowledge of statistics is needed.

Speaker: Dr. Herbert Lee, Professor, UCSC Dept. of Applied Mathematics and Statistics