Stephen Wirkus
Visiting Scholar/Faculty/Researcher
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Phone: 602-543-8236
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4701 W. Thunderbird Road Glendale, AZ 85306
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Long Bio
Stephen Wirkus earned his doctorate in applied mathematics at Cornell University in 1999. After holding academic appointments at Cornell and Cal Poly Pomona, he came to Arizona State University in 2007.
Among Wirkus' scholarly interests are mathematical biology, differential equations, dynamical systems, mathematical methods in physics, mathematical modeling, and numerical methods. His interest in mathematical biology is evidenced by his current work focusing on mathematical models of diffusely interacting populations, the retina, and gene networks. He also has worked recently on the mathematics of neuron firing and mathematical models of bipolar disorder.
Recently Wirkus has co-authored scholarly articles in journals such as the Journal of Theoretical Biology, Mathematical Medicine and Biology, Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering, and Discrete and Continuous Dynamical Systems. He is a manuscript referee for Journal of Vibration and Control and a manuscript reviewer for Chapman & Hall/CRC Press.
Wirkus has published the textbooks "A Course in Ordinary Differential Equations" (1st and 2nd editions) and A Course in Differential Equations with Boundary-Value Problems" with Chapman & Hall/CRC press that incorporates the popular mathematical software MATLAB, Maple and Mathematica.
Along with School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences' colleague Erika Camacho, Wirkus served as co-director of the Applied Mathematical Sciences Summer Institute, a summer undergraduate research program from 2005-2007.
Within the mathematical and natural sciences, Wirkus serves as chair of the Applied Mathematics Degree Program Committee. He has also served on various hiring and personnel committees. In Fall 2011, he was awarded the AGEP (NSF Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate program) Mentoring Award from the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). He has taught a variety of courses including Calculus with Analytic Geometry, Mathematical Models in Biology, Introduction to Geometry, Advanced Calculus, and Techniques and Applications of Applied Mathematics.
In May 2013, Wirkus was named ASU's Professor of the Year by the Sun Devil Family Association.
Wirkus has served as Associate Director and Interim Director of SMNS.
Education
- Ph.D. Applied Mathematics, Cornell University 1999
- M.S. Applied Mathematics, Cornell University 1997
- B.S. Mathematics (Honors with Distinction), University of Missouri-Kansas City 1994
- B.S. Physics (Honors with Distinction), University of Missouri-Kansas City 1994
Research Interests
Mathematical Biology, Differential Equations, Dynamical Systems, Mathematical Methods in Physics, Mathematical Modeling, Numerical Methods
Publications
- Stephen A. Wirkus and Randall J. Swift. A Course in Ordinary Differential Equations. (2014).
- Erika Camacho, Christopher Kribs-Zaleta, Stephen Wirkus. Metering Effects in Population Systems. Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering (2013).
- Erika Camacho, Christopher Kribs-Zaleta, Stephen Wirkus. The Mathematical and Theoretical Biology Institute--a Model of Mentorship Through Research. Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering (2013).
- Erika Camacho, Luis Melara, Cristina Villalobos, Stephen Wirkus. Optimal Control in the Treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Bulletin of Mathematical Biology (2013).
- Erika Camacho, Stephen Wirkus. Tracing the Progression of Retinitis Pigmentosa via Photoreceptor Interactions. Journal of Theoretical Biology (2013).
- Beverly Burgett, Marisabel Rodriguez, Samantha Ryan, William Tressel, Oscar Patterson, Stephen Wirkus. Within-Host Dynamics of Antibiotic Resistance in Gonorrhea,. ASU's Mathematical, Computational & Modeling Sciences Center Technical Report (2012).
- E. Camacho, S. Wirkus, P. Marshall,. Mathematical modeling of fungal infection in immune compromised individuals: Implications for drug treatment. Journal of Theoretical Biology (2011).
- F. Berezovskaya, S. Wirkus, B. Song, C. Castillo-Chavez. Dynamics of population communities with prey migrations and Allee effects: a bifurcation approach. Mathematical Medicine and Biology (2011).
- J. Ames, A. Feiler, G. Mendoza, A. Rumpf, S. Wirkus. Determination of Tucson, Arizona as an Ecological Trap for Cooper's Hawks (Accipiter cooperii). ASU's Mathematical, Computational & Modeling Sciences Center Technical Report (2011).
- Erika Camacho, Miguel Colon, Daniel Hernandez, Ubaldo Rodriguez-Bernier, Jon van Laarhoven, Stephen Wirkus. A Mathematical Model of Photoreceptor Interactions. Journal of Theoretical Biology (2010).
- Nicolas Crisosto, Cristopher Kribs-Zaleta, Stephen Wirkus, Carlos Castillo-Chavez. Community Resilience in Collaborative Learning. Discrete and Continuous Dynamical Systems B (2010).
- Wirkus, Stephen, Switkes, Jennifer, Swift, Randall. Analysis of the Game "Cover-Up" and Its Variations. The Mathematical Spectrum (2010).
- Darryl Daugherty, Tairi Roque-Urrea, John Urrea-Roque, Jessica Troyer, Stephen Wirkus, Mason A. Porter. Mathematical models of bipolar disorder. Commun Nonlinear Sci Numer Simulat (2009).
- Stephen Wirkus, Mason A. Porter. Comment on ‘‘Bifurcation analysis of parametrically excited bipolar disorder model". Commun Nonlinear Sci Numer Simulat (2009).
- Faina Berezovskaya, Erika Camacho, Stephen Wirkus, Georgy Karev. "Traveling Wave" Solution of FitzHugh Model with Cross-Diffusion. Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering (2008).
- Jeannine Abiva, Erika Camacho, Edna Joseph, Arpy Mikaelian, Charles Rogers, John Shelton, Stephen Wirkus. Alcohol's Effect on Neuron Firing. The Mathematical Scientist (2007).
- Camacho, Erika, Wirkus, Stephen. The Applied Mathematical Sciences Summer Institute. Promoting Undergraduate Research in Mathematics/ American Mathematical Society (2007).
- Wendy Caldwell, Benjamin Freedman, Luke Settles, Michael Thomas, Anarina Murillo, Erika Camacho, Stephen Wirkus. Substance Abuse via Legally Prescribed Drugs: The Case of Vicodin in the United States. ASU Mathematical, Computational & Modeling Sciences Center Technical Report (0).
Research Activity
- Castillo-Chavez,Carlos*, Castillo-Chavez,Carlos*, Berger,Roger L, Camacho,Erika T, Kang,Yun, Wirkus,Stephen A.. ASU-Sloan Program for Exceptional Mentoring (PEM) (ASUF 30006275). ASU FDN(7/1/2014 - 6/30/2017).
- Castillo-Chavez,Carlos*, Castillo-Chavez,Carlos*, Camacho,Erika T, Chowell-Puente,Gerardo, Wirkus,Stephen A.. International Research Experience for Students (IRES) Project Proposal: Population Dynamics and Complex Systems: Challenges and Opportunities. NSF-OIA(10/1/2013 - 9/30/2016).
- Castillo-Chavez,Carlos*, Castillo-Chavez,Carlos*, Camacho,Erika T, Mubayi,Anuj, Wirkus,Stephen A.. REU Site: The Mathematical and Theoretical Biology Institute. NSF-MPS-DMS(5/1/2013 - 4/30/2018).
- Castillo-Chavez,Carlos*, Castillo-Chavez,Carlos*, Camacho,Erika T, Wirkus,Stephen A.. Mathematical and Theoretical Biology Institute. NSA(4/1/2013 - 3/31/2014).
- Castillo-Chavez,Carlos*, Castillo-Chavez,Carlos*, Camacho,Erika T, Suslov,Sergei K, Wirkus,Stephen A.. GAANN Fellowships in Applied Mathematics in the Life and Social Sciences. ED-PSE(8/16/2012 - 8/15/2016).
Courses
2025 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| MAT 599 | Thesis |
| AML 799 | Dissertation |
| AML 792 | Research |
| APM 792 | Research |
| APM 799 | Dissertation |
2024 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| APM 792 | Research |
| APM 799 | Dissertation |
2024 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| APM 792 | Research |
| MAT 795 | Continuing Registration |
| MAT 595 | Continuing Registration |
2024 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| MAT 599 | Thesis |
| AML 799 | Dissertation |
| AML 792 | Research |
| APM 792 | Research |
| APM 799 | Dissertation |
2023 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| APM 792 | Research |
| APM 799 | Dissertation |
2023 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| APM 792 | Research |
| MAT 795 | Continuing Registration |
| MAT 595 | Continuing Registration |
| LSC 562 | Applied Math Tech in Biology |
| LSC 562 | Applied Math Tech in Biology |
2023 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| MAT 599 | Thesis |
| AML 799 | Dissertation |
| AML 792 | Research |
| APM 792 | Research |
| APM 799 | Dissertation |
| LSC 519 | Applied Learning Lab |
| MAT 275 | Modern Differential Equations |
2022 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| APM 792 | Research |
| APM 799 | Dissertation |
2022 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| APM 792 | Research |
| MAT 795 | Continuing Registration |
| MAT 595 | Continuing Registration |
2022 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| MAT 599 | Thesis |
| AML 799 | Dissertation |
| AML 792 | Research |
| APM 792 | Research |
| APM 799 | Dissertation |
2021 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| APM 792 | Research |
| MAT 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| MAT 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| APM 799 | Dissertation |
| MAT 452 | Intro Chaos/Nonlinear Dynamics |
| MAT 493 | Honors Thesis |
| MAT 275 | Modern Differential Equations |
| MAT 493 | Honors Thesis |
2021 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| APM 792 | Research |
| MAT 595 | Continuing Registration |
| LSC 562 | Applied Math Tech in Biology |
2021 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| MAT 599 | Thesis |
| MAT 275 | Modern Differential Equations |
| AML 799 | Dissertation |
| AML 792 | Research |
| MAT 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| APM 792 | Research |
| APM 799 | Dissertation |
| MAT 421 | Applied Computational Methods |
| MAT 493 | Honors Thesis |
2020 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| APM 792 | Research |
| MAT 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| MAT 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| MAT 452 | Intro Chaos/Nonlinear Dynamics |
| MAT 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| MAT 493 | Honors Thesis |
2020 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| APM 792 | Research |
| MAT 595 | Continuing Registration |
2020 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| MAT 599 | Thesis |
| AML 799 | Dissertation |
| AML 792 | Research |
| MAT 499 | Individualized Instruction |
| APM 792 | Research |
| APM 799 | Dissertation |
| MAT 421 | Applied Computational Methods |
| MAT 350 | Tech/Apps of Applied Math |
Presentations
- Erika Camacho, Stephen Wirkus. A Model of Photoreceptor Degeneration in Zebrafish via a Cone Mutation. Mathematical Association of America MathFest (Aug 2014).
- Raegan Higgins, Susan Minkoff, Cristina Villalobos, Stephen Wirkus. MS32: Mathematical Modeling of Health Problems. Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics Annual Conference (Jul 2014).
- Kimberly Kendricks, Susan Minkoff, Cristina Villalobos, Stephen Wirkus. MS48: Applications in Human Performance, Counterterrorism, and Risk Analysis. Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics Annual Conference (Jul 2014).
- Stephen Wirkus. MS 63: Dynamical Models in Applied Mathematics. Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics Annual Conference (Jul 2014).
- Susan Minkoff, Cristina Villalobos, Stephen Wirkus. MS79: Theoretical and Numerical Results in Dynamical Systems. Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics Annual Conference (Jul 2014).
- Cristina Villalobos, Susan Minkoff, Stephen Wirkus. MS95: Analysis and Applications of Optimization. Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics Annual Conference (Jul 2014).
- Susan Minkoff, Cristina Villalobos, Stephen Wirkus. MS109: Modeling and Algorithm Development for Mathematical Geosciences. Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics Annual Conference (Jul 2014).
- Erika Camacho, Pamela Marshall, Stephen Wirkus. Qualitative Inverse Problems using Bifurcation Analysis in the Recurrent Neural Network Model. Society for Mathematical Biology Annual Conference (Jul 2014).
- Erika Camacho, Pamela Marshall, Stephen Wirkus. Qualitative Inverse Problems using Bifurcation Analysis in the Recurrent Neural Network Model. Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics Annual Conference (Jul 2014).
- Erika Camacho, Pamela Marshall, Stephen Wirkus. Qualitative Inverse Problems using Bifurcation Analysis in the Recurrent Neural Network Model. MIT MLK Scholar Talks (Feb 2014).
- Erika Camacho, Stephen Wirkus. A Model of Photoreceptor Degeneration in Zebrafish via a Cone Mutation. Society for Industrial and Applied Math (SIAM) Annual Conference (Jul 2013).
- Josef Sifuentes, Cristina Villalobos, Illya Hicks, Stephen Wirkus. MS34: Computational Science. SIAM Annual Conference (AN14) (Jul 2013).
- Cristina Villalobos, Illya Hicks, Stephen Wirkus. MS47: Combinatorial Optimization. SIAM Annual Conference (AN14) (Jul 2013).
- Paul Hurtado, Cristina Villalobos, Illya Hicks, Stephen Wirkus. MS60: Mathematical and Theoretical Ecology. SIAM Annual Conference (AN14) (Jul 2013).
- Kamuela Yong, Anuj Mubayi, Cristina Villalobos, Illya Hicks, Stephen Wirkus. MS68: Mathematical Modeling of Public Health Problems. SIAM Annual Conference (AN14) (Jul 2013).
- Anael Verdugo, Cristina Villalobos, Illya Hicks, Stephen Wirkus. MS86: Computational Approaches to Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of Biological Systems. SIAM Annual Conference (AN14) (Jul 2013).
- Cristina Villalobos, Illya Hicks, Stephen Wirkus. MS102: Numerical Models in Applied Problems. SIAM Annual Conference (AN14) (Jul 2013).
- Erika Camacho, Stephen Wirkus. Tracing the Progression of Retinitis Pigmentosa via Photoreceptor Interactions. ARVO - The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, 2012 Annual Conference (May 2012).
- S. Wirkus. Numerical Solutions of Delay Differential Equations. MCMSC Mini-Workshop, ASU, Tempe, AZ (Jun 2011).
- Stephen Wirkus. Mathematical Modeling of Fungal Infection in Immune Compromised Individuals: Implications for Treatment with Fungicidal Drugs. Los Arizona Days, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (Apr 2011).
- Stephen Wirkus. Mathematical Modeling of Fungal Infection in Immune Compromised Individuals: Implications for Treatment with Fungicidal Drugs. Society for Mathematical Biology Annual Conference MS14 (Jul 2010).
- Stephen Wirkus. Dynamics of a bilocal (two-patch) population community. Summer Math Institute Colloquium at Cornell University (Jun 2009).
- Stephen Wirkus. Some Applications of Mathematics. MGE@MSA (Feb 2008).
- Wirkus, Stephen. A Continuous Model of Gene Expression. Faculty Research Poster Session (Oct 2007).
- Wirkus, Stephen. Community Resilience in Collaborative Learning. Loyola Marymount Mathematics Colloquium
- Wirkus, Stephen. Gene Regulatory Network: A Continuous Nonlinear Model. Department of Mathematics BioMath Seminar
- Wirkus, Stephen. Modeling Molecular Systems with Differential Equations. Natural Science Week
Service
- Personnel Committee, Chair (2012 - Present)
- Personnel Committee, Chair (2011 - Present)
- Program Review Committee, Member (2009 - Present)
- Program Review Committee, Member (2009 - Present)
- Veteran's Committee, Member (2009 - Present)
- Veteran's Committee, Member (2009 - Present)
- SACNAS Math Task force, Member (2009 - Present)
- SACNAS Math Task force, Member (2009 - Present)
- SACNAS Math Task force, Member (2009 - Present)
- SACNAS Math Task force, Member (2009 - Present)
- SACNAS Math Task force, Member (2009 - Present)
- SACNAS Math Task force, Member (2009 - Present)
- Personnel Committee, Member (2009 - Present)
- Personnel Committee, Member (2009 - Present)
- Journal of Vibration and Control, Manuscript Referee (2008 - Present)
- STEM Doctoral Enhancement (SDE) Program, Participant (2008 - Present)
- Applied Computing Hiring Committee, Member (2007 - Present)
- Chapman & Hall / CRC Press, Manuscript Reviewer (2007 - Present)
- Applied Math Degree Program Committee, Chair (2007 - Present)
- Workshop Celebrating Diversity, Member (2012 - 2015)
- Steering Committee, Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) Annual Conference (AN14), Member (2013 - 2014)
- Workshop Celebrating Diversity, Chair (2012 - 2014)
- Personnel Committee, Chair (2012 - 2013)
- Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Workshop Celebrating Diversity, Member (2012 - 2012)
- Lecturer review committee for evaluation of Lecturer Ken Sweat, Chair (2011 - 2012)
- Hispanic Research Center, MGE@MSA (More Graduate Education @ Mountain States Alliance, panelist at 2/14/2012 Conference in Tempe, AZ (2012 - 2012)
- Peer review committee for tenure and promotion file of Yuntao Zhu, Chair (2011 - 2011)
- Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), Conference Professional Development Workshop. Critical Transitions in Graduate School: Advice for Current and Prospective Graduate Students (2011 - 2011)
- New College P & T Committee, Member (2008 - 2011)
- Promotion & Tenure Committee, Member (2008 - 2011)
- Promotion & Tenure Committee, Chair (2010 - 2011)
- Program Review Committee, Member (2009 - 2011)
- Peer review committee for 3 year pre-tenure review of Omayra Ortega, Chair (2010 - 2010)
- Teacher's College Academic Specialization Committee, Member (2010 - 2010)
- Teacher's College Liaison Committee, Member (2010 - 2010)
- Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), Conference Session Organizer of Opportunities in Mathematics from a Funding Agency Perspective (2010 - 2010)
- Peer review committee for tenure consideration of Haiyan Wang, Member (2010 - 2010)
- Society for Mathematical Biology, Conference Session Organizer of Dynamic Mathematical Models in Biology (MS14) (2010 - 2010)
- Hispanic Research Center (HRC), Attendee of NSF Joint Annual Meetings (2010 - 2010)
- Nonlinear Dynamics, Manuscript Reviewer (2010 - 2010)
- Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), Conference Session Organizer of An Abstract Look at Algebra (2009 - 2009)
- Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), Conference Session Organizer of New Generation of Mathematics (2009 - 2009)
- Academic Advising Office, University College at the West Campus, Faculty Panelist for new University College Freshmen (2009 - 2009)
- Hispanic Research Center (HRC), Attendee of NSF Joint Annual Meetings (2009 - 2009)
- NSA Women in Mathematics Society, Invited Conference Participant (2009 - 2009)
- Richard Tapia Scholarship Review Committee, Member (2009 - 2009)
- Discrete and Continuous Dynamical Systems-Series B, Manuscript Reviewer (2009 - 2009)
- Applied Mathematical Sciences Summer Institute (AMSSI), Co-Director (2008 - 2008)
- 3 year pre-tenure review for Yuntao Zhu, Chair (2008 - 2008)
- MSAC Lecturer Hiring Committee, Chair (2007 - 2008)
- 3 year pre-tenure review for Haiyan Wang, Chair (2007 - 2007)
- Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science, Conference Session Organizer of New Generation of Mathematicians (2007)