Book excerpt: This volume contains a selection of papers presented at the 2008 Conference on Frontiers of Applied and Computational Mathematics (FACM'08), held at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), May 19-21, 2008. The papers reflect the conference themes of mathematical biology, mathematical fluid dynamics, applied statistics and biostatistics, and waves and electromagnetics. Some of the world's most distinguished experts in the conference focus areas provide a unique and timely perspective on leading-edge research, research trends, and important open problems in several fields, making it a “must read” for active mathematical scientists.Included are major new contributions by a distinguished trio of plenary speakers: Frank Hoppensteadt contributes a thought-provoking paper on the evolving relationship between applied mathematics and the computer; Pranab Sen explores exciting new trends in computational biology and informatics; and Jean-Marc Vanden-Broeck describes his recent research on 3D free surface flows. There are also many innovative contributions by a prestigious group of invited mini-symposium speakers, making this an indispensable collection for professionals and graduate students in the mathematical sciences and related fields.Finally, the 75th birthday dedication to Daljit S Ahluwalia — for his many contributions to building a world-class mathematical sciences department at NJIT — adds to making this a one-of-a-kind volume.