MunchLab
Welcome to the Munch Lab group page! We are a group of mathematicians and data scientists interested in interdisciplinary research, topological data analysis, and implementing ways to improve the STEM culture. Loosely based, we work on three topics:
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Topological Time Series Analysis: Given a real valued time series arising from a dynamical system, we can convert the data into a point cloud via signal processing tools and then analyze the results using persistent homology.
This work has also involved the intersection of persistent homology and machine learning for evaluation of the outputs.
This work is largely based in collaborations with Dr. Firas Khasawneh.
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Graphical signatures and interleaving distances: We study the Reeb graph, a graphical signature of data, and, in particular the development of metrics for their analysis.
The basic idea behind the Reeb graph construction is to skeletonize input data given a filtration function and has both important theoretical and practical implications for data representation and analysis.
This work incorporates a wide array of mathematical tools, including category theory, to build new methods for data analysis. Most recently, this work involves collaborations with Dr. Erin Chambers.
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Image Processing and plant morphology: We utilze the tools available from TDA to answer questions from applied plant sciences; namely, to create methods for measuring and analyzing plant morphology.
This work encompasses a collection of ongoing projects with Dr. Dan Chitwood (MSU Horticulture/CMSE) whose lab produces X-Ray CT scans of plants down to micron resolution.
Combining our expertise in TDA, algorithms, and image processing, with his biological expertise has proven to be a very successful and truly interdisciplinary collaboration. More info can be found on the Morphology Lab website.
Current Postdoc Group Members
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- Sourabh Palande
- Postdoc, MSU CMSE
- Jointly advised with Dan Chitwood
- Joined Fall 2020
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- Sarah Percival
- Postdoc, MSU BMB
- Jointly advised with Dan Chitwood, Beronda Montgomery, Arjun Krishnan, and Aman Husbands
- Joined Fall 2021
Current Graduate Student Group Members
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- Erik Amézquita
- PhD Student, MSU CMSE
- Jointly advised with Dan Chitwood
- Joined Fall 2018
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- Sarah McGuire
- PhD Student, MSU CMSE
- Joined Fall 2019
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- Christopher Potvin
- PhD Student, MSU Math
- Joined Fall 2020
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- Elena Wang
- PhD Student, MSU CMSE
- Joined Fall 2020
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- Rachel Roca
- PhD Student, MSU CMSE
- Jointly advised with Danny Caballero
- Joined Fall 2021
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- David Muñoz
- PhD Student, MSU CMSE
- Joined Spring 2022
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- Astrid Olave
- PhD Student, MSU Math
- Joined Spring 2022
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- Valeri Jean-Pierre
- PhD Student, MSU Math
- Joined Spring 2022
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- Ishika Ghosh
- PhD Student, MSU CMSE
- Joined Fall 2022
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- Danielle Barnes
- PhD Student, MSU CMSE
- Joined Summer 2022
Former Group Members
- Sarah Tymochko
- PhD Student, MSU CMSE
- Graduated 2022
- İsmail Güzel
- Visiting researcher, 2021-2022
- Shelley Kandola
- Postdoc, MSU Math
- 2019-2021
- Tim Ophelders
- Postdoc, MSU CMSE
- 2018-2020
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- Anastasios Stefanou
- PhD Student, UAlbany Math
- Graduated 2018
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- Mitchell Eithun
- Masters Student, MSU CMSE
- Graduated 2019
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- Christopher Sukhu
- Masters Student, MSU CMSE
- Graduated 2019
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- Kayla Makela
- Research Assistant, MSU CMSE
- Jointly advised with Dan Chitwood
- 2018-2021
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- Brian Bollen
- Undergraduate Student, UAlbany Math
- May 2016-July 2017
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- Akanksha Atrey
- Undergraduate Student, UAlbany Math
- Jan 2015-June 2016
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- Bill Dong
- High School Student, Advised through the UAlbany Math Department
- June 2015-August 2016
- Top row: Sarah Percival, Sourabh Palande, Ismail Guzel, Yash Gautam
- Middle row: Elena Wang, Danielle Barnes, Erik Amezquita, Rachel Roca
- Bottom row: Christopher Potvin, Liz Munch, Sarah McGuire, Sarah Tymochko
Previous Group Pictures
2021-2022
