Elon University
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Elizabeth M. von Briesen
I earned my PhD from UNC Charlotte in the summer of 2020, and have joined the faculty in computer science at Elon University in the fall semester. I graduated with a BS in Physics from the University of Virginia in 1994, and went on from there to have a large family while working part-time teaching and consulting in IT. For much of my life I have enjoyed the study and application of science and technology. At the same time, I have spent many years informally researching and examining issues of social justice. I hope to apply my computing skills in a way that will have a broad social impact within disadvantaged and persecuted communities.
Research Interests
I am interested in the study of complex adaptive systems through the use of computer modeling. My research is specifically directed toward agent based modeling of civil conflict potentially leading to genocide. Additionally, I am interested in the use of data analytics as applied to social media in order to study sentiment dynamics.
The study of complexity is enriching both professionally and personally. My observations of the connectedness of the world around me, and the dynamics associated with those connections, are a constant source of joy. I find inspiration, beauty and meaning within the systems I observe, from the smallest to the largest.