M. G. Michael Award for Research in the Sciences at UGA
Computational Science · Numerical Analysis · Parallel Computing
Thiab R. Taha
Scholar, educator, academic leader, and conference organizer whose work spans nonlinear waves, scientific computing, high-performance computing, software development, and systems biology.
Fulbright Scholar and visiting professor at the University of Jordan
Head of the University of Georgia Computer Science Department
Interim Director of the University of Georgia School of Computing
About
Academic career and service
Thiab R. Taha earned a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science from Clarkson University in 1982, an M.Sc. in Mathematics (Numerical Analysis) from the University of Jordan in 1977, and a B.Sc. in Mathematics from the University of Jordan in 1972.
He joined the University of Georgia in 1982 and advanced through the ranks of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor. His career combines research, teaching, academic administration, professional service, journal leadership, and international conference organization.
Research
Research areas
Computational Science
Numerical methods and scientific software for complex mathematical models.
Nonlinear Waves
Computation and theory for nonlinear evolution equations, water waves, and related systems.
Parallel Computing
High-performance methods for scientific computation and large-scale applications.
Optical Communications
Software and numerical techniques for models arising in optical-fiber communication systems.
Systems Biology
Computational methods and interdisciplinary applications in biological systems.
Data Science & Cybersecurity
Program development, training initiatives, and academic leadership in emerging computing fields.
Leadership
Academic leadership at UGA
2022–2023
Interim Director, School of Computing
Helped guide the newly established School of Computing and co-chaired its Academic Planning and Scholarly Planning committees.
2013–2022
Head, Department of Computer Science
Led a period of major growth in enrollment, faculty, academic programs, cybersecurity initiatives, data science education, and research distinction.
1994–2013
Professor of Computer Science
Conducted research and teaching while holding extensive university, professional, and editorial service responsibilities.
Scholarship
Selected publications
2023
An L1 type difference/Galerkin spectral scheme for variable-order time-fractional nonlinear diffusion-reaction equations with fixed delay
M. A. Zaky, K. Van Bockstal, T. R. Taha, D. Suragan, and A. S. Hendy. Journal of Computational and Applied Mathematics, Vol. 420.
2022
An energy-preserving computational approach for the semilinear space fractional damped Klein-Gordon equation with a generalized scalar potential
A. S. Hendy, T. R. Taha, D. Suragan, and M. A. Zaky. Applied Mathematical Modelling, Vol. 108, pp. 512–530.
2021
Comment on “Exact analytic solitary wave solutions for the RKL model”
T. Taha and H. Triki. Mathematics and Computers in Simulation, Vol. 182, pp. 234–234.
Recognition & service
Honors, editorial work, and professional leadership
IMACS
Vice President and member of the Board of Directors of the International Association for Mathematics and Computers in Simulation.
Journal leadership
Co-Editor-in-Chief of Applied Numerical Mathematics and editorial service for MATCOM and IAJIT.
Conference organization
Program chair and conference coordinator for the IMACS conferences on Nonlinear Evolution Equations and Wave Phenomena, 1999–2025.
IMACS World Congress
Co-Chair of the 2023 World Congress in Rome and the 2027 World Congress in Seville.
Fulbright
Fulbright Scholar and member of the Middle East Advisory Panel on the Fulbright Senior Scholar Program.
Professional societies
Senior member of ACM and member of IEEE, SIAM, and several SIAM activity groups.
Contact
Professional contact
School of Computing
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia, USA
Curriculum Vitae
Download the complete CV for appointments, grants, professional activities, publications, presentations, and service.
Download CV (PDF)