Join Us

Research opportunities for undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs

Thank you for your interest in joining our research group! We work on a variety of problems across numerical analysis, mathematical biology, biophysics, scientific computing, numerical software development, stochastic analysis, and mathematical physics.

Current Research Areas

Our group focuses on several interconnected research themes:

  • Coarse-graining Methods: Rigorous mathematical analysis of limits and approximations for particle-based models
  • Immune System Modeling: Spatial modeling of T cell signaling, antibody-antigen interactions, and immune response dynamics
  • Mathematical Software Development: Contributing to open-source tools like Catalyst.jl for chemical reaction network modeling and JumpProcesses.jl jump process numerical solvers
  • Parameter Estimation: Using experimental data, such as Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) assays, to estimate biophysical parameters of models arising in cell biology.
  • Stochastic Reaction-Diffusion Modeling and Methods: Development of particle-based methods for simulating biochemical processes in realistic cellular geometries

Ph.D. Opportunities

We are always seeking highly motivated Ph.D. students to join our research group. Our graduate students work on projects at the intersection of numerical analysis, mathematical biology, computational physics, and stochastic analysis, with applications to cell biology, immune system modeling, and biochemical reaction networks.

What We Look For

  • Strong background in applied mathematics or related areas (e.g. biophysics, theoretical or computational chemistry, quantitative systems biology).
    • As we are part of a Mathematics Ph.D. program, having an appropriate mathematical background to be successful at passing the program’s course and qualifying exam requirements is generally necessary.
  • Research experience (undergraduate or Master’s level) is a benefit but not required.
  • Programming skills in relevant languages such as Julia, Matlab, Python, or R.
  • Self-motivation and ability to work independently

Application Process

Ph.D. applications are handled through the university’s graduate admissions system. However, prospective students are encouraged to include my name as a potential advisor in your application’s research statement. This will help bring your file to my attention during the review of applications. All accepted students are guaranteed five years of funding by the university.

Application deadlines and requirements can be found on the Boston University Mathematics Ph.D. program page.

Note for prospective Ph.D. students: Due to the high volume of inquiries, I may not be able to respond to individual emails before admissions decisions are made. However, students who receive admission offers are warmly encouraged to contact me to discuss potential research projects and opportunities within our group. As I am frequently asked about this, please also note that Boston University requires an application fee for Ph.D. applications, and I am unfortunately unable to help with obtaining a fee waiver.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

We welcome undergraduate students who are interested in gaining hands-on research experience. Projects for undergraduates are usually computational in nature, and can range from numerical software development to mathematical modeling of antibody interactions and analysis of experimental data. Past projects include

  1. Developing libraries of spatial and well-mixed jump process solvers for JumpProcesses.jl.
  2. Developing methods for estimating biophysical parameters from antibody-antigen SPR binding data.
  3. Developing numerical methods for the simulation of particle-based stochastic reaction-diffusion systems.

Requirements

  • Strong academic record in relevant coursework
    • Required courses: differential equations, and one of MA539 or MA579 (or equivalent experience).
    • Most projects involve numerical simulation of stochastic processes (jump processes especially) and/or PDEs, so experience with such topics is very helpful to more quickly get into research.
  • Interest in group research areas
  • Scientific programming experience in Julia/Matlab/Python/R and a willingness to learn Julia for research projects.

How to Apply

Interested undergraduate students should send an email with:

  1. Current transcript (unofficial is fine)
  2. Brief statement of research interests (1 paragraph)
  3. Resume/CV
  4. Available time commitment

Please note that we can generally only supervise a few undergraduate research projects at a given time, so if we are already supervising other students we may unfortunately not be able to supervise a project for you.

Postdoctoral Positions

At this time I do not have any funded postdoctoral positions available. However, I am happy to discuss potential opportunities and support strong candidates in applying for external fellowships (such as NSF postdoctoral fellowships).

If you are interested in applying for external funding to join our group, please contact me well in advance of the application deadline.