Description:

Title: Invasive Species to Bacteria Modeling: Examples of Interdisciplinary Biomathematics Research at a PUI

Abstract:

There are many ways to engage students at a Primarily Undergraduate Institution (PUI). In this presentation, I will showcase two biology-driven examples. Both projects have involved numerous undergraduate and graduate students from across STEM departments at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU). The first project focuses on modeling invasive species using dynamical systems, with the added twist that the invasive species cross-breeds with a native species to form a hybrid species. In the NEIU Biology Department, students have been investigating such cross-breeding in cattails in Northern Illinois. The mathematical model is relatively simple but provides students with opportunities to explore dynamical systems and develop numerical skills while examining potential outcomes of hybridization. The second project centers on bacterial modeling, specifically the pattern formation that emerges when Myxobacteria are grown under starvation conditions. Rather than using partial differential equations, we employ agent-based modeling in which each bacterium has distinct decision rules. This project has expanded to include the use of large language models to predict secondary metabolites produced by these bacteria and to evaluate the potential of these metabolites in combating cancer cells.

Learn more about Professor Hibdon’s research here: https://www.neiu.edu/faculty/joseph-hibdon

Joseph Hibdon is an associate professor of Mathematics at Northeastern Illinois University. Hibdon’s research is in mathematical modeling. In particular, he works in dynamical systems, fluid mechanics, combustion theory, and resource modeling.
 
The NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology Seminar Series aims to bring together a mix of mathematicians and biologists to foster discussion and collaboration between the two fields. The seminar series will take place on Fridays from 10am - 11am at the NITMB in the John Hancock Center in downtown Chicago. There will be both an in-person and virtual component.
 
More information: https://www.nitmb.org/nitmb-seminar-series