San Diego UCLA Fund Chancellor’s Society Regional Event

Snow Business: Scientific Computing in Frozen and in the Classroom

What do the realistic snow in Disney’s animated blockbuster Frozen and the soft tissues in virtual surgery simulation have in common? They are both made possible by new mathematical algorithms that accurately create virtual materials with “predictive simulation.” Join Professor Teran as he demonstrates how the algorithms he’s discovered are being used to dazzling effect—training the doctors of tomorrow and bringing scenes to life in a theater near you.

About Joseph Teran

Joseph Teran is a professor of applied mathematics at UCLA. His research focuses on numerical methods for partial differential equations in classical physics, including computational solids and fluids, multi-material interactions, fracture dynamics and computational biomechanics. A large component of his work is focused on the simulation of the human body with applications for virtual surgery. Professor Teran develops algorithms that help ensure the efficiency and accuracy needed for predictive simulation of soft tissues. His work also has applications for special effects in film. Teran works with Walt Disney Animation applying scientific computing techniques to simulate the dynamics of virtual materials like skin/soft tissue, water, smoke and recently, snow for the movie Frozen. Teran received a 2011 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) and a 2010 Young Investigator award from the Office of Naval Research.

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Invittees can RSVP at: https://eventsrsvp.ucla.edu/sandiego