Overview

Mathematical biology is a major branch of applied mathematics. The prominence of this field reflects both the importance of the biological and biomedical sciences and an appreciation for the mathematical subtleties and challenges that arise in modelling complex biological systems. Our interest, as a group, lies in understanding the spatial and temporal patterns that arise in dynamic biological systems and in understanding how these patterns affect biological function. Our mathematical interests range from nonlinear and chaotic dynamics, to stochastic processes, to partial differential equations models, to optimization. We employ a variety of tools and models to study problems that arise in biomechanics, cell biology, development, ecology, epidemiology, neuroscience, and resource management. We maintain collaborations with a large number and variety of biologists and with biological and biomedical departments both at the University of Washington and elsewhere.