Kit-Yee Daisy Fan

Biography

Daisy Fan teaches in the areas of programming, scientific computing, and optimization. Her recently co-authored book, "Insight Through Computing: A MATLAB Introduction to Computational Science and Engineering," is a culmination of years of teaching programming and scientific computing using MATLAB, Java, and Lego MindStorms robotics. Fan's research interests include collaborative learning methodologies and technologies in engineering education, application of systems-analysis techniques for water resources and environmental problems, and development of numerically efficient optimization methods for large-scale engineering applications. Problems she has investigated include optimal control of multiple-reservoir operation using stochastic dynamic programming and river basin water quality management.

Fan directs a service-learning project in which students develop software for a local non-profit organization. She is active in engineering outreach programs for high school students and underrepresented minority students. Fan is the recipient of the Kendall S. Carpenter Memorial Advising Award (2016), the Douglas Whitney '61 Excellence in Teaching Award (2011), the Zellman Warhaft Commitment to Diversity Award (2008), and the Cornell Society of Engineers Achievement Award (2004).

Fan obtained her Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering at Cornell (2002). She was a research scholar at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Austria (1995).