The following projects have been proposed by our mentors as a starting point. Please note that project descriptions may change depending on discussions between mentor and mentee.
| Faculty | Affiliation | Project Description | Expected Qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander Lalejini | GVSU | Study how spatial connectivity influences evolution. From evolutionary graph theory, we know that different local spatial structures influence the mode and tempo of evolution (e.g., how long it takes for a beneficial mutation to sweep a population). In this project, we will study the effects of different spatial connectivity patterns on long-term evolutionary dynamics using digital experimental evolution. Specifically, we will investigate mutation accumulation, diversity, rate of evolutionary adaptation across different fitness landscapes, as well as whether different patterns of local connectivity produce evolutionary hotpots. Related work: https://doi.org/10.1162/ISAL.a.863 |
Interest in individual-based modeling / experimental evolution. Experience with running computational models or programming is helpful but not required. |
| Alexander Lalejini | GVSU | The role of environmental connectivity on the evolution of mutualistic versus parasitic endosymbiosis. Symbioses encompass long-term evolutionary relationships between two or more species that benefit at least one of the constituent partners. In an endosymbiotic relationship, one partner (the endosymbiont) lives inside of the other (the host). An endosymbiont’s impact on its partner can range from detrimental (parasitism) to beneficial (mutualism). Both the magnitude and direction (parasitism vs. mutualism) of an endosymbiont’s impact can evolve. In this work, we will use the Symbulation modeling platform to study how spatial connectivity might influence endosymbiont evolution toward parasitism or mutualism. Related work: https://doi.org/10.1162/ISAL.a.1024, https://doi.org/10.1162/ISAL.a.1025 |
Interest in individual-based modeling / experimental evolution. Experience with running computational models or programming is helpful but not required. |
| Erik Fredericks | GVSU | This project will explore how evolutionary computation can support procedural content generation in video games. Students will develop an artificial life simulator using Godot that can be used to explore open-ended evolution in the context of a game environment. | Students are expected to have programming experience. Python and Godot experience preferred. |
| Erik Fredericks | GVSU | This project will develop software testing techniques for robotics. Students will use evolutionary computation to generate test suites that discover latent flaws in both simulated and physical robot controllers. | Students are expected to have programming experience. Python and ROS experience preferred. |