Modelling Team
Lisa White,
Head of Mathematical Modelling
I am interested in methods of applying theoretical frameworks to extant data to explain observed biological phenomena. My approach is multidisciplinary including collaboration with biologists, mathematicians, physicians, statisticians and veterinarians. Model frameworks that I use include ordinary and partial nonlinear differential equations, difference equations and stochastic time series models. I apply my models to data from single individuals and populations of individuals in the context of infectious disease transmission and control in human and veterinary populations. My current research focus is the use of mathematical modelling to assist in the eradication and elimination of malaria.
Ben Cooper,
Senior research fellow
Dr Cooper obtained a PhD in modelling the transmission of infectious diseases from the University of Warwick and has held post-doctoral positions at UCL and the Harvard School of Public Health and worked at the the UK's Health Protection Agency. The main focus of his work is using modelling techniques to help understand the epidemiology of bacterial infections and antibiotic-resistance in hospitals and the community. His work involves: i) developing mathematical models to help understand the dynamics of infectious diseases and evaluate the likely impact and different control measures; ii) using and developing new statistical approaches based on mechanistic models for the analysis of longitudinal infectious disease data; and iii) developing and analysing epidemiological studies.
Wirichada Pongtavornpinyo,
Lecturer & Deputy Head of Mathematical Modelling
Although my background was modeling drug resistance in Malaria, I have moved on to some other neglected diseases where there are still few applications of mathematical modeling e.g. dengue and Chikungunya. For dengue, I am particularly interested in optimising diagnostic control strategies in different settings such as during an outbreak or during surveillance. Mathematical model will be applied for a better understanding of Chikungunya transmission dynamics and finding possible causes of increase in the incidence in several districts around Thailand during these past few years. Then we can use the models as a tool for designing some disease control strategies both at local and national levels.
I am also working on using mathematical model to capture population movement and its influence in spread of infectious diseases. Up to now, most transmission models have ignored population movement or have simplified population movement even though this could have significant impact on reducing effectiveness of any control strategy. Besides, population movement activities have highly increased as a consequence of more competition on transport costs and improvement in accessibility to them compared to the past decades. This work would, at least, help increase model accuracy and confidence about these predictions.
Yoel Lubel,
Health Economist
The focus of my research is cost-effectiveness of diagnostics and treatments for infectious diseases in resource poor settings. Initially focused on the planning and execution of a number of economic evaluations on malaria treatment and diagnostics. These evaluations combined extensive modelling with field work primarily in East Africa. I have developed decision support tools to facilitate the interaction between research and policy making, and to ensure that policy makers are able to apply these tools to their own particular circumstances. More recently I have broadened the range of topics of interest beyond malaria to include other diseases and strategies to improve health services such as the cost- effectiveness of ICU training and of micro-laboratories for undifferentiated febrile illnesses. I have also assisted The Thai Health Information Technology Assessment Programme in their evaluations of a broad range of health services in Thailand.
Richard J. Maude,
PhD Student
My research interests are in two areas: mathematical modelling of malaria elimination and eradication in the context of antimalarial drug resistance; and clinical studies of the pathophysiology of severe malaria, in particular microcirculatory obstruction and malarial retinopathy in cerebral malaria.
Sompob Saralamba,
PhD Student
I am interested in computational modelling and simulation of biological systems. I am working on the intra-host modelling of malaria infection.
Nantasit Luangasanatip,
PhD Student
My research interests are mathematic modelling and economic evaluations. The current project is focused on strategies to reduce hospital infections and the cost-effectiveness of these interventions. These findings will inform both future trials and policy decisions for the control of nosocomial infections in low- and middle-income countries.
Maliwan Hongsuwan,
PhD Student
I am researching interventions to reduce hospital-acquired infections. The current project is using both qualitative research methods and mathematical modelling to help develop an intervention study aimed at reducing hospital-acquired infections in NE Thailand. Initially we are focusing on hand hygiene interventions. One of the key questions is how to achieve sustained, rather than transient, improvements in hand hygiene behaviour amongst hospital staff. I am based in the Ubon unit, and work with the microbiology and mathematical modelling teams.
Supara Sukkasem,
Masters Student
My main research interest is mathematical modelling of population movement, focusing on infectious diseases modelling. The objective is to construct a simulation model to look at different human population movement rules, to validate the model against data and identify the key factors influencing population movement in a specific setting.