Research Statement

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Much research in our group focuses on viruses: where ecology, evolution and immunology meet. We have recently begun a study of the rhinoviruses, the most common cause of the common cold, to understand simultaneously their extreme diversity, low virulence, and peculiar pattern of seasonal abundance. Using mathematical models based on known interactions with the immune system and genetic sequences, we have begun building detailed evolutionary models of this rapidly change set of viruses. More broadly, we use mathematical models to understand the dynamics of complex systems, such as the immune system, ant colonies, and even urban ecosystems.

Research Interests

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General Interests

• Coevolutionary Biology
• Ecology & Conservation Biology
• Evolution & Biodiversity

Specific Interests

• Mathematical Biology
• Evolutionary ecology and epidemiology of viruses
• Ant behavioral ecology
• Theory of coexistence and biodiversity