Ian Moore

Tell us about your research.

My advisor is Traian Iliescu, and my research is in data-driven reduced order models for fluids.  My current dissertation title is, "Filtering and Domain Decomposition Techniques for Intrusive and Non-intrusive ROMs of Convection Dominated Problems".

You’ve interned at Sandia National Laboratories. How has that experience influenced the direction of your dissertation?

I've spent two summers interning at Sandia National Laboratories now, and have a very different dissertation (in particular, incorporating domain decomposition) after learning about how research scientists in non-academic settings view and implement modeling techniques for large-scale problems. 

Looking back on your time in graduate school, what stands out as one of your favorite or most meaningful memories?

My favorite memory as a grad student is (retrospectively) the study groups I had for the differential equations preliminary exam. At the time it was terrible, but it's amazing how much you can learn with a group of suddenly extremely motivated peers. 

What advice would you give to new graduate students?

Make sure you know what you are working towards. There's a lot of things to do as a graduate student and not a lot of time to do them. Progressing in your research means identifying specific research goals, working towards them, and having a plan of what to do if they don't work out as expected. Try to mix in some safe goals (attend a conference, develop a research method your advisor is confident in) with some stretch goals. 

When you’re looking for something fun to do in the Blacksburg area, what activity tops your list?

Kayaking down the New River is the most fun I've had around Blacksburg. It doesn't feel like it on the water, but the New River has the oldest course of any river in North America and is one of the oldest rivers in the world. 

Do you have a favorite quote?

I heard this paraphrased by John Burns... 
"An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field."(allegedly by Neils Bohr.) 

What are your future career plans?

I am currently applying to postdoctoral positions in mathematical modeling and simulation. Wish me luck!