Grant: Discovery Development Grant

Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) are special cases of complex systems. CAS are made up of many elements that communicate and exchange information. The interrelationship among CAS elements creates system properties that emerge out of the elements' activities. CAS exist everywhere; we find them in biological, economic, social, neurological, and ecological realms among others. Furthermore, computer systems design currently faces ever increasing complexity of the large number, interdependencies and heterogeneity of systems components. The increase in computer systems complexity requires innovative methodology to achieve scalable and adaptable computing for highly dynamic contexts. Previously we proposed a new computing paradigm for computer systems research called the Emergent Thinker. The Emergent Thinker is based on CAS domains that work isolated from each other logically but are physically located in the same environment. CAS domains provide emergent functional services. An emergent functional service is equivalent to a system call of operating systems but at a higher abstract level, since the emergent functional service is provided by the synergy of the CAS elements' activities. This program develops further research to formalize previous seminal work in the Emergent Thinker paradigm. Novel methodology will be researched and developed to define local CAS element properties and interactions to predict the emergent outcomes and their respective performance metrics. Mechanisms and processes that occur in CAS will be defined for a variety of arrangements. This innovative methodology will provide the building blocks for an emergent computing machine. The emergent computing machine will provide a novel distributed systems approach to achieve scalable and adaptable computing for highly dynamic contexts. Four graduate and three undergraduate students HQP (Highly Qualified Personnel) will be trained and prepared for careers in computer systems research including distributed systems, systems integration, information systems and applied computing research. The HQP will also be capable of continuing onto graduate studies. There is a current need for interdisciplinary personnel who can research novel techniques in distributed systems and apply them to other realms. Our research targets this challenge and produces HQP that can satisfy these needs. Our research into the emergent computing machine will provide an innovative framework for quantifying what emerges out of the activities of CAS elements and their dynamics as well as how they interact to give rise to robust distributed computing capabilities. The proposed research will provide innovative methodology to improve distributed systems design. The research outcomes will advance and have an impact on the computer systems research field with new approaches to achieve innovative distributed computing systems.