I was first exposed to the fields of information theory and
non-equilibrium systems while working as a volunteer in Dr. Cressman’s
lab. My work has focused on studying the
relationships between information entropy production and power fluctuations in driven
systems, specifically within structures in electro-convecting liquid
crystal. The goal of the project is to
show that there is a connection between information entropy and thermodynamic
entropy. Preliminary results do show a
positive correlation between the two.
I am interested in this particular project because of its
widespread potential applications. The ways in which these structures allow energy to flow is
not currently well understood, but can potentially shed light on the inner
workings of countless natural processes. Many wide ranging phenomenon,
including hurricanes, large fluctuations in financial markets, and protein
folding and other biological processes follow the same general pattern, for which
we hope to develop a quantitative description.
It is also in a challenging and demanding field, which will
allow me the opportunity to grow creatively as well as intellectually. My personal goals include contributing to the
scientific understanding of these processes, as well as building analytical
skills to prepare for a graduate school application.
