My current interests are in several branches of applied mathematics and mechanics: applications of optimal control theory, mechanics of inhomogeneous continuum including mechanics of living matter, and diffraction theory (see my Research Statement and very short Visual Portfolio).

Regarding the mechanics of the inhomogeneous continuum, the classical vibration theory approaches as well as the homogenization theory are applied in my studies. Currently, I am working on the problems arising in math biology: how bacteria move in inhomogeneous media, e.g. mucus, modeled as a liquid crystal.

In the field of control theory, I work on control problems for systems with distributed parameters such as vibrating and moving beams, heating systems, etc. Here, I am also interested in corresponding eigenproblems and methods of their solution.

In addition, I had been working for a while in the field of holography with application to microelectronics.

email: Alexander.Gavrikov (at) psu.edu