non-partisan student voter organizing, psychology, criminal justice, and counterterrorism. He works as a criminal intelligence analyst for the Camden County Police Department. He is also a graduate student at Georgetown University, where he is pursuing a

Authors

  • Geoffrey Downing

Keywords:

COVID-19 modeling, Mathematics and epidemiology, Flattening the curve

Abstract

In this analytical essay, Geoffrey Downing explores the mathematical modeling of COVID-19’s rapid spread through the lens of exponential functions. Using definitions and structures from both standard algebra and epidemiology, he illustrates how the reproductive number (R₀) and growth constants model infection trajectories. Downing emphasizes the critical role of two variables: exposure (E) and probability of infection (P), showing how reducing exposure through social distancing directly flattens the curve. He introduces exponential and logarithmic graphing tools to understand spikes and predict outcomes, while also addressing the limitations of pure exponential growth as infection reaches population saturation. The essay advocates for scientifically informed public health strategies and highlights the life-or-death significance of individual choices during a pandemic.

Author Biography

Geoffrey Downing

Geoffrey Downing was born in Southern California and was
raised by his grandmother. He grew up overcoming adversity
and is a first-generation college student. He always had a very
inquisitory nature growing up and was fascinated with trying
to understand cause and effect relationships within the
environment around him. He has a passion for data analytics,
technology, business management, and big-picture strategy.
He is completing his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Rutgers University and wants to pursue
a career in Technology or Management Consulting. While he
enjoys his work, he also values balancing this with personal
time. He and his wife are best friends, and they do everything
together. They like going on daily walks, occasional road trips,
playing with their chihuahuas, cooking, and binge watching
their favorite shows.

Cover of The Undergraduate Review, Spring 2021 edition, from the Honors College at Rutgers University–Camden. The top of the cover features the red Rutgers logo and text reading “Rutgers University–Camden Honors College.” Below is the title “The Undergraduate Review” and subtitle “Spring 2021.” The background image shows a train crossing the Benjamin Franklin Bridge from Camden to Philadelphia, with the steel blue structure of the bridge framing the scene. The volume and issue number, “Volume 2, Issue 1,” appear in white text in the lower-right corner.

Downloads

Published

2025-06-13

How to Cite

Downing, G. (2025). non-partisan student voter organizing, psychology, criminal justice, and counterterrorism. He works as a criminal intelligence analyst for the Camden County Police Department. He is also a graduate student at Georgetown University, where he is pursuing a . The Rutgers-Camden Undergraduate Review, 2(1), 6. Retrieved from https://rcur.libraries.rutgers.edu/index.php/rcur/article/view/2208

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2021): The Undergraduate Review

Section

Articles