The Biourbanist is a site that takes the idea that cities are living organisms seriously, or at least as a starting point for discussion. I explore the science of cities, loosely defined, from the perspective of a computational biologist. This means there will be the examination of complex systems modeling, traffic patterns, urban life, and so forth.
The Biourbanist is written by Sam Arbesman (the one using the first-person singular throughout the site). I am currently a graduate student pursuing a PhD in computational biology at Cornell University. I began my PhD in 2004. From 2004 to 2006, I was an IGERT Fellow in Nonlinear Systems. I graduated in 2004 from Brandeis University with a degree in computer science and biology.
My main interests lie in computational evolutionary biology and the mathematical and computational modeling of circadian rhythms. I am also interested in applying computational biology techniques to other areas, such as the study of cities and other complex systems. I work with Steve Strogatz. For publications and press, please visit arbesman.net.
Outside of my academic pursuits, I also do some non-science writing. I am currently a film critic for the Cornell Daily Sun. You can find most of my articles for the Sun here.
To contact me, please email me at sam.arbesman at cornell dot edu
