Lawrence Udeigwe

Associate Professor, Mathematics

Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Visiting Associate Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences,  
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

As an academic, Dr.Udeigwe enjoys devoting equal attention to both teaching and research, as well as being able to introduce his research materials in his courses with the goal of continuously improving mathematics pedagogy and, even, birthing new courses. At Manhattan College, he introduced and created new courses in computational neuroscience and applied dynamical systems that he has taught to both graduate and undergraduate students. 

Dr Udeigwe is constantly looking for interested and hardworking students to collaborate with on research projects. His research areas include differential equations and dynamical systems; computational neuroscience; and mathematical pedagogy. He is also interested in exploring the relationships between mathematics and music. In Fall 2020, Dr. Udeigwe was awarded a ~$29000 National Science Foundation research grant to serve as Senior Fellow and Visiting Scholar at the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IPAM), Los Angeles, CA, where he was one of the core participants in the long-term program Mathematical Challenges and Opportunities for Autonomous Vehicles. In 2021, he was awarded a Department of Defense research grant of $371,000 from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) and the Army Research Office (ARO) to support his work on the homeostasis of synaptic plasticity and memory formation in the brain.

Dr Udeigwe holds an appointment at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a Dr. Luther King Jr. Visiting Associate Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences. At MIT, he collaborates with the DiCarlo Lab where his project involves using machine learning and dynamical systems techniques to understand the neuronal representations and computational mechanisms that underlie visual object recognition in primates.

Outside of mathematics and science, Dr. Udeigwe is a singer-songwriter and leads the Lorens Chuno group whose music can be heard here. Among many themes, his songwriting tackles intersectionality issues faced by the contemporary African. He also explores the different ways in which mathematics and jazz can be interfaced. 

Education

PHD, University of Pittsburgh, 2014
MA, University of Pittsburgh, 2008
MS,  University of Delaware, 2006
BS & BA, Duquesne University, 2004

Courses Taught

Math 096: Bridge Course for Business Students 
Math 100: Precalculus 
Math 158: Introduction to Mathematical Computations
Math 185: Calculus I 
Math 186: Calculus II 
Math 285: Calculus III 
Math 272: Linear Algebra 
Math 286: Differential Equations  
Math 386: Partial Differential Equations 
Math 387: Analysis I 
Math 491: Topics in Mathematics - Dynamical Systems 
Matg 511: Computational Methods for Analytics 
Matg 557: Machine Learning
Matg 692: Topics in Mathematics - Theory of Differential Equations
Matg 692: Topics in Mathematics - Dynamical Systems
Math 692: Topics in Mathematics - Intro to Theoretical Neuroscience
Matg 699: Research in Mathematics
  • Research
    Research Areas of Interest 
    • Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems
    • Mathematical and Computational Neuroscience
    • Mathematics Pedagogy
    Current Research Topics
    • Using differential equations and machine learning tools to understand synaptic plasticity and memory formation in the the brain.
    • Using artificial neural networks (ANN) in understanding the neuronal representations and computational mechanisms that underlie visual object recognition in primates.
    • How to apply results (from the above two topics) in amenable technologies such as autonomous vehicles.
  • Publications and Scholarly Activities
     
    Select Publications
    1.  M.E. Bohling, L.C. Udeigwe. "The Spiking Neuron", Foundations for Undergraduate Research in Mathematics, In press.
    2. L.C. Udeigwe. “Using Phase Portraits to Analyze Relationship Dynamics.” SIMIODE, 2019. https://www.simiode.org/resources/6263
    3. L.C. Udeigwe. An analysis of the cluster-detecting property of the BCM neuron. International Journal of Pattern Recognition and Artificial Intelligence, under review. 2021 
    4. L.C. Udeigwe, P.W. Munro, G. Bard Ermentrout. Emergent Dynamical Properties of the BCM Learning Rule. Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience.  Vol 7:2, 2017, DOI: 10.1186/s13408-017-0044-6
    5. L.C. Udeigwe and G.B. Ermentrout. Waves and patterns on regular graphs. SIAM Journal on Applied Dynamical Systems Vol. 14(2), 1102-1129, 2015
    6. L.C. Udeigwe and G.B. Ermentrout, and P.W. Munro. Oscillation and chaos in the dynamics of the BCM learning rule. BMC Neuroscience Vol. 14 (1), 2013 
    7. D.B. Smith, L. C. Udeigwe, and J. Rubin. Physical interactions between D1 and NMDA receptors as a possible inhibitory mechanism to avoid excessive NMDA currents. BMC Neuroscience Vol. 8 (2), 2007 

    Theses

    1. L.C. Udeigwe, Dynamical systems of the BCM learning rule: emergent properties and application to clustering (PhD dissertation). University of Pittsburgh, 2014 http://d-scholarship-dev.library.pitt.edu/22655/
    2. L.C. Udeigwe. Identification of objects in an acoustic waveguide: Numerical results and an introduction to an alternate approach via the method of images (Masters thesis). University of Delaware, 2006 https://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/27435

    Select presentations

    1. L. C. Udeigwe. Modeling the Transmission and Control Dynamics of COVID-19. Manhattan College. February 17, 2021
    2. L. C. Udeigwe. Using a Sensory Neuron to Learn a Dataset. United States Military Academy, West Point, NY. February 5, 2020
    3. L. C. Udeigwe. A Single-Neuron Data Classification Algorithm. MAA New York Sectional Meeting. May 4, 2019
    4. L. C. Udeigwe. An Unsupervised Clustering Algorithm Based On Sensory Neuronal Selectivity. Lafayette College. April 17, 2019
    5. L. C. Udeigwe. A single-neuron data classication algorithm. Manhattan College, Department of Mathematics Seminar Series Riverdale, NY. April 11, 2018
    6. L.C. Udeigwe. Synaptic Plasticity as a function of Homeostatic time-scales. Sense to Synapse Conference New York, NY. April 7-8, 2017
    7. L. C. Udeigwe. “The Effect of Homeostatic Time-Scale Adjustment of the BCM Learning Rule”. Sense to Synapse Conference, Rockefeller University, New York. 2016
    8. L. C. Udeigwe. “The Perceptron: Overview, Convergence Theorem, Self-Supervision” Manhattan College, Department of Mathematics Seminar Series Riverdale, NY. April 13, 2016
    9. L. C. Udeigwe. Oscillators and patterns on a sphere. Manhattan College, Department of Mathematics Seminar Series Riverdale, NY. April 22, 2015
    10. L.C. Udeigwe, G.B Ermentrout, and P. W. Munro. Emerging Dynamics of cortical neuronal selectivity. Temporal Dynamics of Learning Center, USDC, Annual spring retreat La Jolla, Ca. February 6th, 2014
    11. L.C. Udeigwe, G.B Ermentrout, and P. W. Munro. Dynamics of cortical plasticity: oscillatory, toroidal, and chaotic properties of the BCM learning model. Complex Biological Systems seminar, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, Pa. October 10th, 2013
    12. L.C. Udeigwe, G.B Ermentrout, and P. W. Munro. Exploring the dynamics of the BCM learning rule. Temporal Dynamics of Learning Center, USDC, Annual Fall retreat La Jolla, Ca. August 26th, 2013
    13. L. C. Udeigwe, G. B. Ermentrout, and P. W. Munro. Oscillatory and chaotic dynamics of the BCM learning rule. Annual Computational Neuroscience Meeting, Paris, France. July 17th, 2013 
    14. L.C. Udeigwe and G.B Ermentrout. Non-synchronous oscillations on graphs. SIAM Conference on Applications of Dynamical Systems. May 24th, 2011 
    15. L.C. Udeigwe and G.B Ermentrout. Coupled neural oscillators on the surface of a sphere. Complex Biological Systems seminar, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, Pa. Sept 14th, 2010
    16. L.C. Udeigwe and G.B Ermentrout. Application of non-synchronous oscillations on graphs. SIAM Conference on the Life Sciences, Pittsburgh, Pa. July 14th, 2010

    Research Technical Reports (with undergraduate students) 

    1. Artiom Bic, Andrew Cirincione, Lawrence Udeigwe. A Mathematical Investigation of Inhibition Stabilized Networks. The Manhattan Scientist, In press
    2. Parul Rai, Maxwell Bohling, Lawrence Udeigwe. Investigating the Activity of Coupled Neurons. The Manhattan Scientist, In press
    3. Andrew Cirincione, Maxwell Bohling, Lawrence Udeigwe. A Numerical Investigation of the Wilson-Cowan Model. The Manhattan Scientist, In press
    4.  Michael Rozycki, Lawrence Udeigwe Computing Direction of Maximal Skew in a Dataset. The Manhattan Scientist, Series B Volume 6, 2019
    5.  Michael Campliglia, Lawrence Udeigwe Single Neuron Cluster Detection using BCM and Oja Learning Rules. The Manhattan Scientist, Series B Volume 6, 2019
    6. Sebastian Pena, Lawrence Udeigwe, Igor Aizenberg. Using Laterally Inhibiting Neurons to Detect Clusters. The Manhattan Scientist, Series B Volume 6, 2019
    7. Nico Colon, Alex Gonzalez, Lawrence Udeigwe. Image recognition using autoencoding in multilayer neural networks and multi-value neurons. The Manhattan Scientist, Series B Volume 4, Fall 2017 
    8. Nico Colon, Alex Gonzalez, Lawrence Udeigwe, Igor Aizenberg. Image recognition using analysis of discrete Fourier transform by multilayer neural networks with multi-valued neurons. The Manhattan Scientist, Series B Volume 4, Fall 2017 
  • Professional Experience and Memberships
    Experience:
    •  Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Visiting Associate Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA [2021 - present].
    • Senior Fellow & Visiting Scholar, Institute for Pure & Applied Mathematics (IPAM), Los Angeles, CA [2020]
    • Associate Professor of Mathematics, Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY [2020 - present]
    • Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY [2016 - 2020]
    • Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY [2014 - 2016]
    • Adjunct Instructor of Mathematice, Community College of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, PA [2012 - 2014]
    • Instructor of Mathematice, Pennsylvania State University, Fayette [2009 - 2012]
    Membership:
    • Sigma Xi [2016 - present]
    • Mathematical Association of America [2004 - present]
    • Organization for Computational Neuroscience [2012 - present]
    • Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematician [2004 - present]
  • Honors, Awards, and Grants
    • U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) and the Army Research Office (ARO) grant #W911NF-21-1-0192 [2021] - $371,000; Principal Investigator
    • National Science Foundation (via IPAM) course buyout [2020] - $29,000
    • NSF (via MSRI) workshop grant [2019] - $1388
    • National Science Foundation  (via IPAM) travel grant [2020] - $1600
    • National Science Foundation  (via IPAM) travel grant [2019] - $1388
    • Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IPAM) travel grant [2019] - $1388
    • National Science Foundation (via SIMODE) content development grant [2019] - $1200
    • Manhattan College Jasper Scholar Grant for Faculty [2019] - $1500
    • Manhattan College Summer Grant for Faculty [2019] - $3000
    • Manhattan College School of Science Faculty Development Plan (FDP) award (Fall 2017 - present) - 3 credit course buyout for each academic year
    • Organization for Computational Neuroscience Travel Grant [2013] - $1000
    • University of Pittsburgh Full tuition scholarship [Fall 2006-Fall 2008 and Fall 2011-Spring 2014]
    • University of Delaware Full tuition scholarship [Fall 2004-Fall 2006]
    • University of Delaware Teaching Excellence Award [2005]