Alex Siegenfeld, PhD
2015 Hertz Fellow
Alexander Siegenfeld is a postdoctoral researcher at the New England Complex Systems Institute.
As a doctoral student at MIT, Siegenfeld’s research leveraged the application of concepts from physics to understand both the general properties of complex systems, as well as those of specific systems such as democratic elections. In his work, he used a multi-scale framework to identify a system’s largest-scale behavior, which allowed him to identify relevant leverage points for intervention in situations such as fighting pandemics, reducing democratic instability, and creating more robust economies.
Siegenfeld received a B.S. in physics and mathematics, also from MIT.
“The financial and community support of the Hertz Foundation were instrumental in allowing me to pursue an unorthodox research program focused on addressing what I feel to be some of the most important societal questions concerning governance, economics, and pandemic response.”
Graduate Studies
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Physics,
Condensed Matter Physics
Developments in Complex Systems Science with Applications to Political Systems and Pandemic Response
Undergraduate Studies
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Related News
Oct 27, 2022
The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation is proud to recognize the most recent graduates of the Hertz Fellowship in applied science, mathematics, and engineering.
Nov 5, 2018
Through the Application of Physics, Siegenfeld and Researchers at NECSI and MIT Are Studying the Social Problem of Nonvoting.
Jul 9, 2018
Seven Hertz Fellows will Work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as Summer Interns.
Apr 21, 2015
Awardees are top young minds in STEM, Fellowship covers graduate school and living expenses.