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Center for Mathematical Biology

Bringing together researchers for the development and application of mathematics to a broad range of biological processes, organisms, behaviors, and ecologies

The Center for Mathematical Biology fosters the exchange of ideas and the development of research collaborations involving mathematical models and quantitative approaches to the life sciences.

The scientific study of living things is increasingly quantitative, exposing new opportunities for innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration. This center draws on Penn State's considerable strengths in an array of disciplines⁠—with a common theme of using mathematical, statistical, and computational tools to provide insight and understanding to biological observations and data analysis. 

Members are drawn from a variety of backgrounds and areas of expertise from across departments and colleges. Our members employ observational, laboratory, mathematical, statistical, and computational approaches to address a broad range of biological and medical questions.

We work at the interface between the observation of living systems and the development of appropriate quantitative methods. Mathematical models can be descriptive, but ultimately should be predictive. Our ultimate goal is to integrate observation and modeling, specifically in areas including cancer, cellular biology, ecology, epidemiology, and neuroscience.

News

Re-engineering cancerous tumors to self-destruct and kill drug-resistant cells

A team led by Penn State researchers has created a modular genetic circuit that turns cancer cells into a “Trojan horse,” causing them to self-destruct and kill nearby drug-resistant cancer cells. Tested in human cell lines and in mice as proof of concept, the circuit outsmarted a wide range of resistance.

Local disparities may prevent national vaccination efforts for rubella

When public health officials make policies about when and how vaccination programs are implemented, they must weigh the benefits and risks of how infectious diseases spread throughout the country. However, these analyses are often based on national-level data and, in some countries, may overlook nuances at the local level.

Five faculty members honored with Evan Pugh University Professorships

Five Penn State professors—including Huck-affiliated faculty members Reka Albert, Vijaykrishnan Narayanan, and Clive Randall—have been named Evan Pugh University Professors, an elite and prestigious distinction conferred by the University on only 79 faculty members since the establishment of the designation in 1960.

News

Re-engineering cancerous tumors to self-destruct and kill drug-resistant cells

A team led by Penn State researchers has created a modular genetic circuit that turns cancer cells into a “Trojan horse,” causing them to self-destruct and kill nearby drug-resistant cancer cells. Tested in human cell lines and in mice as proof of concept, the circuit outsmarted a wide range of resistance.

Local disparities may prevent national vaccination efforts for rubella

When public health officials make policies about when and how vaccination programs are implemented, they must weigh the benefits and risks of how infectious diseases spread throughout the country. However, these analyses are often based on national-level data and, in some countries, may overlook nuances at the local level.

Five faculty members honored with Evan Pugh University Professorships

Five Penn State professors—including Huck-affiliated faculty members Reka Albert, Vijaykrishnan Narayanan, and Clive Randall—have been named Evan Pugh University Professors, an elite and prestigious distinction conferred by the University on only 79 faculty members since the establishment of the designation in 1960.

Réka Albert named Evan Pugh University Professor

Réka Albert, distinguished professor of physics and biology at Penn State, has been named an Evan Pugh University Professor, the highest honor that Penn State bestows on a faculty member.