Mathematical Modeling of Complex Systems Lab
Department of Mathematics, Northwestern University | Oct. 2024 - Present
Thomas conducts research that lies at the intersection of network theory, data science, and sociology in the MMCS Lab under Professor Daniel Abrams, co-director of the Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems (NICO). His work focuses on modeling scientific collaboration networks, particularly how interactions at academic conferences (both formal sessions and informal conversations) affect long-term citation patterns and the evolution of scientific fields. Using decades-long datasets from RCSA Scialog conferences, Thomas applies tools from network science (Louvain clustering, degree centrality, path-length analysis, etc.) to quantify how connections between researchers form and develop over time.
This research deals with the "science of science": how ideas spread, what environments lead to key collaborations, and how might mathematical models reveal hidden social architecture that underlies this progress. Thomas's work involves constructing and analyzing citation networks, designing quantitative measures of collaboration intensity, and tracking "topic drift" across years of publications. The goal is to eventually develop a predictive understanding of how scientific communities grow and transform in order to help institutions optimize conference design and strengthen research networks: seeds that are key to fostering a future of interdisciplinary science.
Water Conservation in Solar Cell Sanitation
Independent Research | Lead Author
Thomas conducted a study to address the critical issue of dust accumulation on solar panels in water-scarce regions. Under the mentorship of Professor Heather Emady (ASU, Tempe AZ), he explored how single water droplets could be used in conjunction with the coffee ring effect to redistribute dust and restore solar cell efficiency. This project combined surface science, energy systems, and fluid dynamics to study interactions between water droplets and particle layers on surfaces of varying hydrophobicity.
Thomas designed and executed experiments to simulate real-world soiling and cleaning of solar cells, achieving up to 92% increase in solar panel output with only a fraction of the water normally required. He used image analysis software (Fiji/ImageJ) to quantify droplet spread and dust distribution and applied theoretical models such as the Beer-Lambert law to connect dust morphology with changes in light transmittance.
This work was presented at the 2022 American Chemical Society Colloids and Surface Science Symposium and contributed to a manuscript submitted to Langmuir Journal. This project demonstrates how small-scale experimental design and surface engineering might offer sustainable solutions to global energy challenges.