Mathematics
Profile
Dr Dirk Hennig is a Lecturer in Mathematics at the University of Portsmouth. His main research interests are in Nonlinear Dynamics.
Scientific Interests
Nonlinear and stochastic dynamics with application to biophysical problems and neurobiology; Analytical and numerical methods for the treatment of networks of coupled nonlinear oscillators and Langevin systems
Research Topics
- Nonlinear dynamics of coupled oscillator systems: energy localization and breather solutions; Hamiltonian ratchets, transport in phase space
- Stochastic systems: noise-driven ratchets; biomotors; rate processes and barrier crossings; translocation and dislocation of polymers through nanopores
- Models of charge and energy transport in biomolecules: transport mediated by breather solutions, polarons and solitons; energy localization in DNA molecules and the denaturation process, unzipping of duplex DNA molecules
- Neuronal model systems: coupled neurons with focus on spontaneous firing activities; synchronization and pattern formation in neuronal networks
Awards
- Carl-Ramsauer-Prize for Doctoral Thesis (1993)
- Heisenberg-Fellowship (1999)
Education and Qualification
- 2001 Award of the Teaching Authority in Theoretical Physics (Privat-Dozent)
- 1997 Habilitation in Theoretical Physics, Free University Berlin, Title of Habilitation Thesis: "Energy Exchange Dynamics of Nonlinear Lattices"
- 1992 Title of Doctoral Thesis: "Chaos and Self-Localization in the Energy Transfer of Molecular Aggregates"
- 1989-1992 Research Study, Institute for Theoretical Physics, Humboldt-University Berlin
- 1989 Diploma Thesis: "Quantum Electrodynamics with Boundary Conditions"
- 1987-1989 Study of Physics, University of Leipzig
- 1984-1987 Study of Physics, Humboldt-University Berlin