University of Michigan
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

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Research interests

Broadly speaking, I am interested in the dynamics of ecological systems. I write and analyze mathematical models of particular biological systems in order to understand observed patterns and make predictions. My research foci include (1) the role of seasonality in shaping population dynamics, (2) the dynamics of host-pathogen systems including rabies, cholera, measles, and whooping cough, (3) population cycles, (4) laboratory microcosms as model systems, (5) statistical methods for nonlinear, stochastic systems with measurement error, and (5) dynamical approaches to phylogenetic comparative analysis. More generally, I am deeply interested in the development and analysis of new biological models for concrete systems.

I am engaged in a number of research projects. These include (1) a study of the ecological influences affecting rabies infection in bats, (2) a study aimed at understanding the role of decadal-scale climatic fluctuations in determining the incidence and severity of cholera outbreaks, (3) the development of generally-applicable mathematico-statistical techniques to bring nonlinear stochastic models of biological process into direct confrontation with time-series data, (4) a study aimed at disentangling the complex interactions of humans with their environment using anthropological and biological data from Sanak Island, off Alaska, and (5) the development of new techniques for phylogenetic comparative analysis based on a direct modeling approach.  I am currently seeking students and postdocs interested in participating in any of these studies or in related areas.