Robert Axtell
Professor, George Mason University
I am a professor in the Department of Computational and Data Science at George Mason University, where my research focuses on agent-based modeling and complex systems. Over the years, I have explored how large-scale computational models can help us understand firm dynamics, labor markets, and economic systems. One of my key projects involved developing an early large-scale model of firm dynamics, featuring 120 million artificial workers making autonomous decisions in silico.
Beyond academic research, I have worked on real-world applications of agent-based modeling, including advising on the reduction of tick sizes in NASDAQ and optimizing worker allocation strategies at Disneyland. My work sits at the intersection of computational social science, economics, and data-driven decision-making.
I have been fortunate to collaborate with and be affiliated with institutions such as MIT, Oxford University, and the Santa Fe Institute, where I continue to engage with researchers pushing the boundaries of computational economics
For more about my research and publications, please visit my webpage