Population Spread and Invasive Species Dynamics

    • Models for spreading populations
      • Invading populations spread into newly introduced environments whereas established populations may need to shift due to changing climatic conditions.  Here we use models based on reaction-diffusion equations and integrodifference equations to model spreading speeds and population persistence under climate change and in river environments. Related Publications
    • Response of populations to climate change
      • As climate changes, populations respond by evolving, shifting or changing behaviour.  We study these aspects using a variety of mechanistic models, which include impacts of climate on population dynamics population shift, spatial ecological interactions and spatial genetic structure. Related Publications
    • Genetic diversity for spreading populations
      • Many mathematical studies focus on the spread of entire populations and ignore the neutral genetic consequences of the expansion. The aim of this project is to connect the range expansion of a population to the genetic consequences for said population using a technique coined as inside dynamics. To achieve this goal, we develop and analyze a mathematical model that decomposes our solution to relate the fundamental ecological and genetic concepts with mathematical structure. Related Publications
    • Zebra mussel spread and control

      Image by Sam Fischer

      • Aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussels cause significant ecological and economic damages around the world. A major spread mechanism for many aquatic invasive species is traffic of recreational anglers and boaters carrying infested gear and watercraft from one lake to another. In this project, we develop methods to estimate, predict, and control the human-mediated spread of aquatic invasive species. The results improve our understanding of the spread of these species and to optimize management actions. Related Publications