Coupled systems: neural-glial networks and layered reaction-diffusion systems Most of us are familiar with the fact that our brain contains a network of neurons. Perhaps less well known are the cells in the brain known as glial cells or, more specifically, astrocytes. Neurons and astrocytes are chemically linked, resulting in a neural-glial network, just one …
Optimization of Radiation Schedules for Proneural Gliomas via Mathematical Modeling Gliomas are the most common and malignant primary tumors of the brain and are commonly treated with radiation therapy. Despite modest advances in chemotherapy and radiation, survival has changed very little over the last 50 years. Radiation therapy is one of the pillars of adjuvant …
A Mathematical Model of Field Cancerization I will be talking about some recent/ongoing work on a mathematical model of the ‘cancer field effect.’ This term refers to the clinical observation that at the time of tumor initiation, there can be multiple premalignant lesions in the surrounding tissue field, and the presence of these premalignant fields …
Spatial patterns of coral occupants arising from propagule redirection Many habitats are fragmented and consist of patches scattered throughout a landscape. Within these patches, many organisms are distributed heterogeneously. Differences in distribution are often attributed to factors that affect the settlement process, such as habitat availability, quality, and the presence of conspecifics. The addition of …
The third annual SIAM Gators Student Conference is coming to campus March 27-29. Thursday, March 27, will be dedicated to Mathematical Biology with several excellent speakers scheduled. Find out more here: SIAM Gators Student Conference Full program: SIAM Gators Conference Program
Fireflies, Finches, and Ferrers Digraphs In this talk, I will explore network sampling algorithms which have found use in answering questions about the distribution of finch species on islands, as well as synchronization of blinking fireflies. My focus will be on graph structures associated with these algorithms, and in particular on a generalization of split …
Connecting rabies dynamics in wildlife populations to surveillance data Raccoons are currently considered the only carnivore host in the northeast United States responsible for rabies virus maintenance. We investigate potential drivers behind seasonal rabies dynamics in raccoon, skunk, and fox populations. I will present the time-series data which motivates this study along with some of …
Spatial and Temporal Spread of Disease in Discrete Space The SARS epidemic of 2003 and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic illustrated the capacity of infectious pathogens to spread quickly over vast distances. However, rapid dissemination is not the only spatial and temporal aspect in disease propagation. In today’s globalized world, public health systems of different qualities come …