A framework for decentralized, dynamic discrete-event systems

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My research focuses on systems whose behaviour can be thought of as sequences of events or actions, which occur with various probabilities under timing constraints. I develop mathematical models to represent such discrete-event systems in which control involves multiple agents in order to automate problem-solving and testing of solutions. I will use my models to develop public emergency response procedures and to improve software development for distributed systems. In emergency response protocols, such as those needed for an epidemic, we need to model systems with many agents (e.g., patients, care workers, health units), where events occur with probabilities (e.g., if exposed to a disease, a patient may have a 40% chance of contracting the disease), where actions sometimes need to occur at specific times (e.g., patients in a hospital must eat at specific hours), and the group of agents changes over time (as patients recover or die and new patients become ill). My research will aid in determining protocols, procedures and policies for public emergencies. Improved emergency response protocols will benefit Canada by optimizing resource allocation and minimizing the harm done to people by crises such as disease outbreaks, water contamination, and massive electrical outages.