Ruth Baker

Title

Modelling pattern propagation during vertebrate axis segmentation

Abstract

In this talk, I will describe some research that was first started during my D.Phil. under the supervision of Philip Maini. Together with Santiago Schnell, and then Philip Murray, we looked at the problem of how the vertebrate axis becomes segmented. This is a very interesting problem as it involves, amongst other mechanisms amenable to mathematical exploration, both travelling waves and coupled oscillators. In this talk I will discuss how models at different levels of detail can successfully be used to interrogate mechanisms that drive biological oscillations, and how one might approach model coarse-graining in order to facilitate investigation of the coupling of multiple oscillators.

Short bio

After taking the third-year mathematical biology course here in Oxford (lectured by Philip Maini, with Santiago Schnell as a teaching assistant), there was no other option but a career in mathematical biology! Ruth obtained her D.Phil. at the University of Oxford, and has been here ever since, finally being promoted to Professor in 2017.