Dr. Jan Mandel, numerical analyst, professor of mathematical and statistical sciences at CU Denver, and one of Research.com’s recently named top mathematics scientists, likes to pursue research if it has a chance at real impact—if others might see value in the findings and apply them to their own work. As Mandel noted, “If it’s not programmed and it doesn’t work, it’s just a fantasy.”
Mandel’s commitment to exploring new frontiers in various fields, including scientific computing, data assimilation, wildland fire modeling, and statistics, helped to earn him the ranking of No. 880 worldwide in the top mathematics scientists category. Throughout his career, he’s been cited thousands of times—9,173, according to Research.com’s ranking criteria—and published well over a hundred of journal papers and book chapters.
“I look for gaps in scientific literature with the goal of filling those gaps and then moving on,” explained Mandel. “That way I can make an impact early on that might help to inform future work.”
This approach has enabled Mandel and collaborators to make several meaningful contributions to the scientific community, including leading advances in computer wildland fire modeling. One such wildfire model, coupled with the Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) code, is being used as the foundation of Israel’s national wildfire system as well as the Colorado Fire Prediction system. Using a mathematically based wildfire model, the system sends maps with forecasted fire and smoke locations to an online portal for responders and stakeholders, allowing them to anticipate where fire and smoke pollution will progress in real time.
“What I find the most impressive about Professor Mandel is his ability to conduct profound foundational work in mathematics while at the same time having a major impact on applications,” said Julien Langou, Mandel’s colleague and chair of the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences. “His work on wildfires is archetypical of this ability, which is critical nowadays with more and more fires and droughts affecting large swaths of the country.”
When he’s not directing computing facilities and systems administration, Mandel is holding classes at CU Denver, where he’s taught since 1986. During his tenure, he and other faculty members have helped evolve the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences—and the university’s broader research efforts—from a fledgling program into a mature and forward-looking department within the institution while strengthening its perceived role and mission.
Mandel has gained plenty of wisdom about teaching and learning during his 36-year tenure at CU Denver.
“Different people are good at different things, some focus narrow and deep, some are better at moving from one topic to another. So my advice to students is to find what you’re good at and do it—a lot of it,” said Mandel. “There is a need for every type of thinking; no one prescription works for everyone.”