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Questions and Methods in Theoretical and Computational Biology
Computational approaches are extensively used to simulate biological processes at
various temporal, spatial and organizational scales. Intensive large-scale simulations of
stochastic and deterministic models are often needed to address questions of importance in
theoretical biology. In this proposal, we focus on the integration of theoretical and
computational approaches in questions in evolutionary biology from DNA to the organism
level. We are particularly targeting the training of undergraduates from minority groups
in the use of computational methods in the natural sciences, and graduate student research
projects in the following areas:
 | Analysis of selection at the DNA level. The study of DNA sequence variation
offers significant insights into many evolutionary processes, including where and how
natural selection acts in the genome, and how speciation occurs. The emphasis here is on
understanding the evolutionary forces that act to shape DNA sequence variation within and
between species. |
| Mapping quantitative traits and the genetics of species interactions. The
identification and genetic analysis of genes that play key roles in species interactions
(including behavior, mate-choice cues, and host choice) is in its infancy. We are
interested in turning our expertise in the statistics of quantitative trait locus (QTL)
mapping toward problems of this kind, and in assessing the nature and kinds of selection
that may have acted on these genes to bring about local adaptation and speciation. |
| Coevolution and the genetics of species interaction. Currently, little is known
about the coevolutionary dynamics of the quantitative traits that are often involved in
species interactions. We are formulating quantitative genetic models of coevolution and in
evaluating models of host-disease interactions with respect to the evolution of virulence
in structured populations |
Participants
| Carlos Castillo-Chavez, Professor and Chair, Biometrics Unit |
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