Committee: 

Dr. Wardi, Advisor

Dr. Weitz, Co-Advisor   

Dr. Egerstedt, Chair

Dr. Vamvoudakis

Abstract: The objective of the proposed research is using control techniques for optimization in the setting of virus-host dynamics. This control can be internal or externally imposed on the system. For internal control, we study the lysis-lysogeny decision for phage-bacteria system. To emulate natural selection, we use optimal control techniques and try to find the decision strategies which maximize the fitness of the phage. For externally imposed control, we study pandemics caused by viruses (specifically COVID-19) and how controlling interaction policies can mitigate the health and economic impact of such outbreaks. Specifically, optimal control techniques are used to find these contact policies to balance the health and socio-economic outcomes during a pandemic.