Kayla Lewis
90 Manor Drive, Red Bank, NJ USA
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Summary
Researcher, programmer, and strategist with a Ph.D. in Computational Geophysics and extensive
experience developing and using complex models to solve real-world problems. Proficient in Python
and Linux scripting with expertise in design and use of machine learning applications. Skilled at
thinking holistically about complex systems involving both human and computational components
as well as practical applications of decision theory. Strong communication skills developed through
teaching and research experience.
Skills (with proficiency ratings from 0 to 5)
• machine learning (ML) with R/Python (5)
• data management with SQL (3)
• deep learning with Pytorch (4)
• research project management (5)
• systems thinking (5)
• working with Linux (5)
• judgment and decision making (5)
• data visualization using matplotlib (5)
• writing and communication (5)
• ML-based business analytics (4)
• data management with pandas (4)
• Bayesian inference (5)
www.thedecisionblog.com
• Contains articles about machine learning, systems thinking, and applied rationality
• Neural nets developed from scratch using Numpy and also within the Pytorch framework
• Written using Jupyter Notebook with code included (also available at Github)
• Currently hosts a decision advising service from this website, where machine learning, modelbased thinking, and systems thinking are applied to solve problems in business and life
Work Experience
Associate Professor of Physics, Monmouth University (2013-present)
• Used this position as an opportunity to upskill in several areas, including research management,
management of socio-technical systems, probability and statistics, and machine learning
• Through self-study (see References section below), learned to apply advanced math modeling
methods to practical business problems; practiced an integrative approach to management known
as critical systems thinking
Relevant Teaching
• PR-481: Applied Rationality. A course about applying systems thinking as well as judgment and
decision theory, both within a Bayesian framework, to decisions in business and everyday life
• PH-211,PH-212: Physics with Calculus I and II. Non-standard physics courses developed to teach
model-based thinking by showing how models from physics can be explicitly generalized to other
areas, particularly using the framework of system dynamics
Education
Currently enrolled in AGI Safety Fundamentals
• Covers technical and policy risks associated with the development and deployment of increasingly
sophisticated AI models
• Through deeply engaging with the research, learned practical tools to help make AI less risky to
deploy
Ph.D. in Computational Geophysics, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2007
• Developed a sophisticated numerical simulator from the ground up to model multiple interacting
elements in seafloor volcanic systems
B.S. in Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2002
• Concentrated on applied mathematics and modeling complex system dynamics
Relevant Computational Research
• Continued developing and maintaining FISHES, a fluid dynamics simulator for studying two-phase
flow in subseafloor hydrothermal systems
• Utilized the control volume method to solve complex partial differential equations on a grid
• Applied linear algebra techniques to efficiently solve the governing equations and optimize simulation performance
• Investigated the effects of various system parameters on the dynamics of the hydrothermal system,
leading to several published papers in top-tier journals (see Selected Publications section below)
Postdoctoral Researcher, Los Alamos National Lab,-
• Worked closely with engineers to develop and deploy complex Earth system simulators
• Was introduced to and gained experience in soft systems thinking
Selected Publications
• 2022 Lewis, K.C., Alicea, M., and M. Jafri, Interaction between biofilm growth and fluid flow in
seafloor hydrothermal systems, Transport in Porous Media, 143, 765-786.
• 2017 Lewis, K.C., Coakley, S.J., and S.C. Miele, An extension of the Stefan-type solution method
applicable to multi-component, multi-phase 1D systems, Transport in Porous Media, 117, 415-441.
• 2014 Stauffer, P.H., Lewis, K.C., Stein, J.S., Travis, B.J., Lichtner, P., and G. Zyvoloski, JouleThomson effects on the flow of liquid water, Transport in Porous Media, 105(3), 471-485.
• 2013 Lewis, K.C., Forgotten merits of the analytic viewpoint, EOS, 94, 71-72.
• 2013 Pavlova, I.P., and K.C. Lewis, An easy and fun way to teach about how science “works”:
popularizing Haack’s crossword puzzle analogy, American Biology Teacher, 75(6), 397-401.
• 2009 Lewis, K.C., and R.P. Lowell, Numerical modeling of two-phase flow in the NaCl-H2O system:
Introduction of a numerical method and benchmarking, JGR Solid Earth, 114.
References
• 2022 Taddy, M., Hendrix, L., and M. Harding, Modern business analytics, McGraw Hill.
• 2019 Jackson, M.C., Critical systems thinking and the management of complexity, Wiley.
