Large-scale cyber-physical systems (CPSs) have a wide range of applications, such as transportation management, robot networking, and epidemic control. Real-time decision-making for large-scale CPSs is challenging considering the large network size, complex network structure, and intricate intertwined dynamics. Furthermore, uncertainties modulate network dynamics and significantly complicate decision-making tasks in realistic settings. To address these challenges, we have been pursuing theories and tools that proactively exploit uncertainties and network topologies to facilitate decision-making in real time. In this talk, I will motivate this problem using two real-world applications: unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) networking and air traffic management. I will highlight several recent results, including scalable decision-making for high-dimensional uncertainties (called M-PCM-OFFD), big spatiotemporal dynamic data processing, and structure-exploiting measurement and design. I will also discuss our participation in the National SmartAmerica Challenge and Global City Team Challenge, as the lead of the Smart Emergency Response System (SERS) team.
Dr. Yan Wan is currently an Associate Professor in the Electrical Engineering Department at the University of North Texas. She received her Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from Washington State University in 2009 and then postdoctoral training at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her research interests lie in developing fundamental theories and tools for the modeling, evaluation, and control tasks in large-scale dynamic networks and cyber-physical systems, with applications to airborne networking, air traffic management, systems biology, and complex information systems. Her research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, National Institute of Science and Technology, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and MITRE Corporation as subcontracts from Federal Aviation Administration. Dr. Wan's research has led to over 110 publications and successful technology transfer outcomes. Her contributions to the field of air traffic management, airborne networking, and general cyber-physical systems have been recognized by several prestigious awards, including the National Science Foundation Early Career Development (CAREER) Award, RTCA William E. Jackson Award, U.S. Ignite and GENI demonstration awards, IEEE WCNC Best Paper Award, UNT Early Career Award for Research and Creativity, and Tech Titan of the Future – University Level Award.