Signaling and Communication in Petri Dishes: Mathematical and Experimental Analysis
Explore molecular signaling in Petri dishes by developing and validating mathematical and experimental methods. Join an interdisciplinary lab to deepen understanding of cell communication through theory and multi-scale simulations.
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Project Description
Project Overview
The BioPhyComm Lab focuses on understanding how molecules propagate through Petri dishes. This research aims to create theoretical, simulated, and experimental models of molecular communication within agar plates typically used in biological research. Despite widespread use in biology, molecular propagation in these environments remains poorly characterized, and there are no established mathematical models.
What You Will Do
You will develop rigorous mathematical models describing signal propagation of molecules in Petri dishes and design experimental protocols to validate these models. Additionally, you will utilize multi-scale simulations to verify the experimental and theoretical results, advancing the foundational understanding of molecular signaling relevant to cells such as bacteria and fungi.
Expected Outcomes
The project will produce validated mathematical models of molecular signaling in agar plates, expanding knowledge of cellular communication at microscale. The outcomes will have applications in biomedical research, contributing to strategies that promote healthy cellular communication or inhibit harmful signaling.
Why This Matters
This research addresses a critical gap in the understanding of how biological signaling molecules propagate in common experimental environments. Insights gained will support advances in biology and medicine by improving experimental design and interpretation relating to cellular communication, with implications for disease and health management.
Entry Requirements
How to Apply
Eligibility
Supervisor Profile
Dr. Adam Noel is a researcher specializing in biophysical signal propagation, cellular signal processing, and molecular communication engineering. His BioPhyComm Lab focuses on the study of how cells use molecules for communication, combining communications theory and signal processing tools to understand microscale biophysical processes. He is affiliated with Memorial University's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.