Associate Professor Mark Nelson works in the area of engineering mathematics with over 20 years research experience. His key areas of expertise is in the application of mathematical techniques such as bifurcation theory, continuation methods, dynamical systems methodology and singularity theory to practical problems (mostly arising from engineering). An important part of his research is the interpretation of the mathematical results in terms relevant to experimentalist. He has a particular interest in problems featuring non-linear chemical dynamics.
Following his PhD he worked on problems in combustion and fire engineering. Since joining the University of Wollongong in January 2003 his research interests have expanded into the areas of bioreactor engineering and reaction engineering with a particular interest in the biological treatment of wastewater (environmental engineering).Previously Mark worked as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Engineering at the University of Leeds (England), and in the mathematics departments at the University of Auckland, the University of Canterbury (both in New Zealand) and at the Australian Defence Force Academy. He has held a variety of visiting research positions, including in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Auckland.
Mark is an Associate member of the Institute of Chemical Engineers (AMIChemE) and is currently Chair of the Engineering Mathematics Group. He is an associate editor of Chemical Product and Process Modelling and on the editorial board of both the ANZIAM Journal and the International Journal of Food Engineering. He referees for a wide variety of journals, particularly those in the areas of applied mathematics, and chemical/environmental engineering.
In 2004 Mark was awarded the J.H. Michell Medal which recognised him as the most outstanding new researcher in the field of applied mathematics in Australia and New Zealand.