The basic problem confronting theoretical ecology (like any theoretical science) is to hypothesize structures, processes, and interactions, and to derive their consequences. We focus on ecological patterns related to individual behavior as well as population and community dynamics, starting from a conceptual basis that asks how the individual processes of foraging, birth, death, and development determine population growth, distribution, and interactions with the environment. These individual-level processes ultimately determine population increase or decline, stability or instability, persistence or extinction, and at a larger scale, the structure of entire communities. We consider cases where individuals are characterized by age, body size, developmental stages, infection status, genotype, and/or spatial location.
We utilize a variety of mathematical and computational models, including differential equations, matrix population models and agent-based models, with a range of methods and approaches, such as stochastic processes, bifurcation theory, matrix algebra, sensitivity analysis and machine learning.
An important contribution of our research is the development of new analytical and computational methods for the analysis of individual behavior, population dynamics and drivers of emergent patterns. This includes sensitivity analyses for population projection models and ecological and evolutionary bifurcation analysis for physiologically structured models. Our research is not taxonomically restricted, and includes plants, animals, and humans, as well as pathogens and malignant cells.
Some examples of the projects where we have or had a leading role include:
Some examples of the master’s thesis topics we had in the past:
Other research areas:
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