Dr. James Faeder is interested in using mathematical models to better understand how cells use biochemical networks to make decisions. The Faeder group develops and maintains a simulation framework called BioNetGen that allows rule-based specification of biochemical reaction networks and provides both deterministic and stochastic modeling capabilities. This approach allows direct translation of known or hypothesized biochemical mechanisms into executable models that we can analyze and use to make predictions. They work in close collaboration with experimental groups that provide data to calibrate models and perform subsequent experiments to test model prediction, thereby expanding their understanding of the key components and mechanisms that determine cell fate. They also develop new algorithms for stochastic and hybrid simulation of models, for model construction and visualization, and for model calibration.