Dr. Yun Kang | Mathematical Biology | Best Researcher Award
Yun Kang is a distinguished Professor of Applied Mathematics at Arizona State University π«, specializing in mathematical biology, complex adaptive systems, and nonlinear dynamical systems π¬π; with over 70 publications in high-impact journals π, Kang’s work bridges theory and modeling to solve biological, ecological, and social questions π; a leader in mathematical research, she also champions women in STEM through mentoring and advocacy π€π‘; her cutting-edge research, funded by the NSF π°, explores multiscale modeling in social insects π and trust dynamics in human-automation interaction π€; as a dedicated educator and core faculty member at the Simon A. Levin Mathematical, Computational & Modeling Sciences Center π§ , she has shaped both academic programs and future researchers π±π.
Profile
Education π
Yun Kang earned her Ph.D. in Mathematics from Arizona State University in 2008 π, focusing on mathematical biology π§ͺ; she completed an M.S. in Pure Mathematics at the University of Arizona in 2004 π, with special research in random graphs π; her academic journey began with a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from Shanghai Jiaotong University, China π¨π³, in 2002, where she concentrated on financial and computational mathematics πΉπ»; this academic foundation provided a solid platform for her research into nonlinear systems and biological applications πΏπ; Kang’s education path reflects global excellence π, interdisciplinary rigor π§ , and a passion for bridging mathematics with real-world complexity πβ¨.
Experience π¨βπ«
Yun Kang’s academic career began as an Assistant Professor at ASU in 2008 π§βπ«, after completing her doctorate π; she advanced to Associate Professor in 2014 and became a full Professor in 2019 π; from 2016 to 2019, she served as Acting Director/Co-Director of the Simon A. Levin Mathematical, Computational & Modeling Sciences Center π§ , promoting interdisciplinary collaborations π‘; beyond teaching, Kang holds roles as Core Faculty and Affiliated Faculty at ASU’s School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences π; her career spans leadership, research, mentorship, and advocacy for diversity in mathematical sciences πͺπΈ; each role reflects her commitment to both academic excellence and community empowerment π π’.
Awards & Recognitions π
Yun Kangβs excellence is reflected in her NSF-funded research grants π°, numerous high-impact publications π, and her leadership in mathematical biology π¬; sheβs a proud and active member of top organizations: Association for Women in Mathematics π©βπ¬, American Mathematical Society π, Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics π§ , and Society for Mathematical Biology πΏ; since 2009, sheβs mentored young female mathematicians via the AWM mentor network π€π‘; her recognition stems from both groundbreaking research and her role as a diversity advocate in STEM πΈπ; her distinguished honors underscore her dual commitment to advancing math and empowering future scholars ππ©βπ«.
Research Interests π¬
Yun Kang’s research bridges nonlinear dynamical systems βοΈ, stochastic models π², and mathematical biology π§¬; she explores complex adaptive systems β from population dynamics π¦, food webs πΎ, eco-epidemiology π¦ , to social insect colonies π; her NSF-funded work dissects multiscale division of labor in insect societies π; she also models trust dynamics in human-automation interactions π€, blending theoretical rigor with real-world relevance π; her contributions illuminate evolutionary processes π, ecological interactions π±, and behavioral modeling π§ ; Kangβs approach merges deep mathematical theory with empirical validation π, offering new tools for biological, ecological, and social system analysis ππ.