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,
Mathematical and statistical modeller & clinical data manager.

I focus on modelling of malaria transmission and drug resistance at population level. For drug resistance, I model two-step processes including initial emergence (de novo) and spread. Host and vector factors such as immunity, treatment and entomological parameters are incorporated into the models. Valuable data from many epidemiological studies in different levels of malaria endemicity and in areas with the highest prevalence of drug resistance (including the border regions of Thailand) are gathered. These dynamic data-driven models are used as a powerful predictive tool for exploring the impact of different malaria control strategies, focusing on Artemisinin Combination Therapies (ACTs) in particular.

Yoel Lubel,
Health Economist

My research includes the planning and executing 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. I have recently 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 and the molecular dynamics simulation of dihydrofolate reductase - thymidylate synthase (DHFR-TS) and their potential inhibitors.

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

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.