Who Are We?

We are a group of Honors students from the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. For this semester, we all signed up to take an Honors Colloquium course called “Complexity,” taught by Professor Quinn. The point of Honors Colloquiums, in general, is to broaden your horizons and take courses from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities with students outside of your normal area of study. In this particular course, we examined how simple systems can lead to complex behaviors, such as the flocking of birds or the spreading of diseases. We have classmates who are studying Chemical Engineering, Accounting, Biology, Middle School Education, Marketing, and so much more. And, just a few months ago, many of us would have also been confused about the modeling and terminology used to predict spreading related to the Coronavirus, just like many of those viewing this webpage. 

Team Breakdown:

1. Modeling Team:
   • Team Leader: Hunter Durbin
   • Team Members: Blake Keuchel, William Shea, David Weader, and Bryce Allen
2. MATLAB Team:
   • Team Leader: Miranda Hughes
   • Team Members: Chris Ferguson, Cody Kowalcyzk, Matthew Bulgrin, and Guan Kwok
3. Dissemination Team:
   • Team Leader: Stephen Sweitzer
   • Team Members: Paige Kalik, Annie Lochridge, McKenzie Rice, Jesse Epling, Katelyn Stanoch, Jared Davies, Stevie Allen, and Gabrielle Vang.

Why Did We Create A Website?

Just like almost every other university in the United States, we were forced to move online classes due to the rapid spread of the Coronavirus, or COVID-19. However, instead of continuing with the planned instruction, our professor chose to use this virus as a “teachable moment” and have the class model the spreading of the virus by applying what we had learned in class- specifically using the SIR Model that we studied. We decided to take it one step further and share our knowledge and create this webpage dedicated to explaining the modeling and numerics behind the virus in hopes to better educate the public.

How Did We Do It?

First, we had to decide what systems, or aspects of COVID-19, we wanted to model. We decided on a Basic Exponential, an SIR, an Age Population, and a Social Distancing and a Non-Distancing Model. Then, we created a list of variables for each system and wrote a formula that represents how those variables interact. Next, we chose values for each variable and plugged the equation into MATLAB. MATLAB is a computer program that is often used by scientists and engineers to do computation, create data visualizations, and programming. We chose this program because it makes difficult calculations easier and has the ability to translates results into data visualizations, which is what we needed. After finding values that created an effective visual, we then took a step back. We examined each model and all the mathematical language and concepts that were necessary to understand what was happening in the modeling and in the results or visuals and turned it into a narrative. Finally, we created this website for all of you to enjoy! We hope that this site helps you better understand the epidemic happening around you.

About the Williams Honors College

The Williams Honors College is an intellectual community within The University of Akron, where students are inspired to excel not only in academics, but in campus organizations, community service, and student government. Our scholars, who come from a variety of backgrounds and possess broad academic interests and achievements, are some of the most active and involved students on campus. In 2005, the Honors Program that was founded in 1975 officially became a College within the University.​In February 2016 a generous gift from Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams allowed enhanced opportunities for students, and the college became the Williams Honors College at The University of Akron.