Ray Lee

Track
Research Frontiers

Faculty Mentor
Naren Ramakrishnan
Thomas L. Phillips Professor of Engineering, Computer Science
Director of the Sanghani Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics

Research Focus
My research at Virginia Tech will focus on the development of predictive and inferential machine learning models for scientific systems in various domains, including epidemiology, viral inactivation kinetics, and geosciences. I am especially interested in exploring ways to guide and structure ML (machine‑learning) models using ideas from traditional mathematical modeling and analysis, including differential equations and other theoretical tools. The expected impact of this work is to contribute methods and insights that improve the robustness and usefulness of ML models in scientific applications.

Why did you choose to pursue postdoctoral training at Virginia Tech?
I chose Virginia Tech to work with Professor Naren Ramakrishnan, director of the Sanghani Center for AI and Data Analytics. In addition to his work in epidemiology and interest in bridging mathematical modeling with modern ML methods, I was drawn to his record of fostering new collaborations and his dedication to mentorship.

What are you most looking forward to as you begin in this fellowship at Virginia Tech?
I am looking forward to deepening my expertise in machine learning and establishing a research identity at the intersection of ML and mathematical modeling. Along the way, I am eager to learn from and collaborate with the broader research community at Virginia Tech.