In 2004, the Biomathematics group at Murray State University was awarded a Research Incubation Grant, Biomathematics at Murray State University, by the Kentucky Statewide EPSCoR Committee. As part of our award, we hosted the first Biomathematics in the Commonwealth workshop. In 2005, we were awarded an Undergraduate Training in the Biological and Mathematical Sciences grant (UBM) by the National Science Foundation. The project UBM, RUI: Biology and Mathematics in Population Studies (BioMaPS) will train 25 undergraduates over five years to work at the intersection of biology & mathematics. Biomathematics Seminar Next Seminar: Modeling CMV infection in transplant patients(abstract) Grace M. Kepler Center for Research in Scientific Computation (CRSC), North Carolina State University Monday, April 27 at 3:30 pm Biology 1119 BioMaPS -- Fellowship Description Students -- $7000 fellowship available for research projects. BioMaPS -- Fellowship Application Applications for 2010 will be available in Fall 2009. BioMaPS -- Project Descriptions Want to know more? Read the project descriptions for the 2009 BioMaPS fellows. BioMaPS -- Murray State's UBM award 2008 Highlights
Our group consists of faculty members from the Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Mathematics & Statistics, which are both housed in the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. Our members include:
	Terry Derting, Biological Sciences Renee Fister, Mathematics & Statistics Kate He, Biological Sciences Maeve McCarthy, Mathematics & Statistics Christopher Mecklin, Mathematics & Statistics David Roach, Mathematics & Statistics Howard Whiteman, Biological Sciences
We have a wide variety of research interests devoted to the integration of mathematics and biology.
Past Activities of the Biomathematics group include:
A regular Biomathematics Seminar, which is well attended by biologists and mathematicians at Murray State. The first Biomathematics in the Commonwealth Workshop held June 24-25th, 2005. The workshop Confluence of Biology & Mathematics in the Commonwealth was held on May 16-17, 2008 at Murray State University! Speakers: Dr. John Jungck (Beloit College), Dr. Andy Long (Northern Kentucky University) and Dr. Christopher Mecklin (Murray State University). Schedule, Dr. Mecklin’s presentation
Our Research Interests
At Murray State, we are interested in biological problems with a strong mathematical and statistical component. Our particular research interests include:
	Using capture-mark-recapture methods and projection matrix models to estimate fecundity Chemotaxis models Parameter identification in ODE & PDE models Bayesian methods of data analysis Developmental stability and fluctuating asymmetry Genetic differentiation and biodiversity Developmental stability and fluctuating asymmetry Anthropogenic disturbances and their physiological & fitness consequences Population dynamics & ecology
Integration of Mathematics and Biology
The importance of mathematical and computational tools in every area of biological studies is well documented (Levin et. al 1997, Science 275:334-343). Mathematical and computational challenges in population biology, ecosystems science, and epidemiology in particular have long been recognized. With new conceptual advances and technology, research initiatives that focus on integration of mathematics and biological issues are expanding. A gap exists, however, in the ability for biologists and mathematicians to converse and share expertise in order to solve important questions relating to population dynamics, epidemiology, immunology, and evolutionary theory. Eliminating the gap between mathematicians and biologists is essential in maintaining research productivity in the Commonwealth and remaining competitive for new national research agendas.
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Modified February 4, 2009