My trajectory towards mathematical modeling of pulmonary infections

The immune response to respiratory infections is highly complex and multiscale, making it amenable for mathematical modeling. Fungal respiratory infections are becoming increasingly prevalent and pose the threat of antimicrobial resistance. The immune response to respiratory pathogens is highly complex and multiscale, making it difficult to predict how to manipulate the host’s immune system to better fight off pathogens. Mathematics provides an excellent framework for integrating knowledge and de novo data and provides a platform for systematic interrogation of host interventions to improve the outcome of disease. In this talk, I will survey recent advances in mathematical modeling of respiratory infections, including some of our own work in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Moreover, I will discuss my career trajectory from number theory to working in a medical laboratory mixing mathematical modeling and experimentation.