Lecturer (Physics & Core Curriculum)
Research
Computational and visual modeling of complex systems
Network science provides a perspective to learn about complex systems and a richer understanding of real-world problems. In social, political and defense systems, among others, network infrastructures show a large number of interdependencies: physical interdependency when energy, material or people flow from one infrastructure to another; cyber interdependency when information is transmitted or exchanged; geographic interdependency signaling the co-location of infrastructure elements; logical interdependency that signals financial, political coordination, and other interactions.
Computational and visual modeling for enhancing K-12 and undergraduate education
Building bridges between science research and education consist of multiple efforts to adapt research-driven computational models and tools to science education, develop curricula, host workshops and internships, and build mentorships between undergraduate and graduate university students and K-12 students and teachers. These projects include: Data & Network Science in K-20 Education, an initiative (a collaboration between Physics, Wheelock College of Education, Government and Community Affairs and external partners) and Elegant Atoms.
Further information on research activities/interests/collaborations: Complex Systems Collaborative
Teaching
- PY105 – Physics 1
- PY106 – Physics 2
- CC212 – Science, Reality and the Modern World
Further details on perspectives on teaching as well as course-specific sites: Paul’s Teaching Homepage
Selected Publications
- C. Park, K. Howard, P. Trunfio, H. Kim, S. Solberg, J. Flete, A. Rodriguez, A, (2023). Developing STEM Career Identity Among Latinx Youth: Impact of an Intervention that Integrates STEM Learning with Individualized Learning Plans. Career Development Quarterly, accepted for publication. https://open.bu.edu/handle/2144/42302
- C. Park, A. Rodriguez, J. Flete, I. Erilus, H. Kim, Y. Dai, A. Oliver-Davila, P. Trunfio, K. Howard, and S. Solberg (2021). Embedding Life Design in Future Readiness Efforts to Promote Collective Impact and Economically Sustainable Communities: Conceptual Frameworks and Case Example. Sustainability, 2021, 13(23), 13189. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313189
- L. D. Valdez, L. Shekhtman, C. E. La Rocca, X. Zhang, S. V. Buldyrev, P. Trunfio, L. A. Braunstein, S. Havlin, “Cascading Failure in Complex Networks,” Journal of Complex Networks, Volume 8, Issue 2, April 2020, https://doi.org/10.1093/comnet/cnaa013
- I. Perez, P. Trunfio, C. E. La Rocca, L. Braunstein, “Controlling distant contacts to reduce disease spreading on disordered complex networks,” Physica A 545 (2020) 123709.
- K. Börner, W. Rouse, P. Trunfio & H. E. Stanley, “Forecasting innovations in science, technology and education,” Introduction to special issue on Modeling and Visualizing Science and Technology Developments, Proceedings of National Academies of Sciences, December 2018
For further information about my history at BU and contributions to science and education: Narrative Biosketch and Personal Homepage.