My research involves two related areas: Modeling & Simulation (M&S) and Data Science. If we describe this relationship as a Venn diagram, as shown below, my primary research efforts focus on areas 1 and 2. On the M&S-focused research side (area 1), I tackle challenges related to core M&S topics, including verification and validation, conceptual modeling, and M&S tools. My second prominent focus is on using Data Science for M&S (area 2). Particularly, I design and use data-driven simulations, conduct simulation output analytics, and use emerging machine learning techniques in different steps of the M&S process. While limited, my data science-only focused research (area 3) involves creating and using data science techniques (e.g., machine learning) to solve problems in different domains. Cybersecurity and urban science are the main application domains for my research.

Last updated on Sep 15, 2026.

M&S and Data Science


Here is a list of research projects that I am/was involved as a participant, mentor, or lead and are highlighted according to the schema colors above. Click on the title to see the details.

Legend: ➕ new    🔄 ongoing    ✅ completed


Verification and Validation

🔄 Verification and Validation Framework for COVID-19 Models
🔄 The Future of Agent-Based Model Verification and Validation

Simulation Data and Analytics

🔄 Reusable Synthetic Population Data


Past/Completed Research Projects

Data-Driven Modeling of Agents

✅ Data-driven Mobility Modeling for COVID-19 Simulation
✅ Data-Driven ABM Methodology and Applications

Verification and Validation

✅ Methodological Contributions to Simulation Verification and Validation (Pre 2021)

Social Media Analytics

✅ Anti-American Misinformation/Disinformation Efforts in Social and Mass Media
✅ Predicting People’s Home Location From Sparse Footprints
✅ Ever wondered how tourists feel in their attraction visits?

Human Mobility Prediction and Analysis

✅ Foot Traffic Prediction
✅ Change of Human Mobility During COVID-19
✅ METROPOL: Modeling and Encoding TRajectories Of Patterns Of Life — IARPA-funded (HAYSTAC program), Co-PI, 2023–2026.

Modeling and Simulation of Social Systems

✅ DARPA Urban Life Model
✅ How Modelers Develop Models?
✅ Contributions to Simulation of Cybersecurity

Modeling and Simulation Practice

✅ CLOUDES
✅ M&S Cube


Web-based simulations and tools

Here some simulations written in JavaScript.