Bio: I am an applied mathematician, building bridges between the mathematical, computational, and biological sciences. My strong foundations in each allow me to identify key biological problems, draw on and contribute to theoretical mathematical foundations, and develop advanced computational tools.
Swarms, flocks, and human societies all exhibit complex collective behaviours. I am interested in collective cell behaviours, which I view as swarms with a twist:
• Cells are not simply point-like particles but have spatial extent;
• Interactions between cells go beyond simple attraction-repulsion; and
• Cells “live” in a regime where friction dominates over inertia.
These principles guide my work on wound healing, embryogenesis, immune response, and cancer metastasis. I use mathematical modelling and computational biology to uncover the universal principles how biological, physical, and chemical factors shape biological tissues.
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.
Learn more - https://www.nitmb.org/nitmb-seminar-series
Tiffany Leighton
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