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Dr Fordyce Davidson

Research Interests:

My research interests spread across two complementary areas: (i) the quantitative study of biological systems (biology focussed) (ii) the analysis of differential equations models arising from biology (maths focussed). Most of my recent work has been aimed at developing a better understand of the complex, systems (multiscale) behaviour of microbes. In parallel I continue to work on understanding the solution structure of ordinary, partial and functional differential equations, in particular reaction-diffusion-convection systems, arising from a variety of biological applications.

Complex behaviour in microbial communities:

The dynamics of cell differentiation if bacterial biofilms:
Current collaborator: Dr Nicola Stanley-Wall Molecular Microbiology.
Form and function of fungal networks:
Current Collaborators: Prof. G.M. Gadd, Molecular Microbiology;
Prof. N. Gow Medical Sciences Institute, University of Aberdeen
Swimming patterns of zoospores:
Current Collaborator: Dr P. van West Medical Sciences Institute, University of Aberdeen

Differential Equations:

  • Regularity and wave direction in near degenerate R-D systems
  • Existence, (meta)stability and bifurcation of solutions to Keller-Segel systems
  • Curve dynamics arising in models of tip growth

    • Current PhD students:

    Karen Stephenson (SULSA), Thigmotropism in fungi
    Laoshen Li, (EPSRC) Modelling Biofilm development
    Mai Jaffar, Tip growth and function in fungi and bacteria
    Andrew Savory (SULSA) Swimming patterns in zoospores

    Previous Post Doctoral Research Assistants:

    Dr Taryn Kiley (MRC)
    Dr Hiroko Kamei (EPSRC)
    Dr Hitesh Mistry (EPSRC)
    Dr Chung-Seon Yi (Welcome Trust: VIP)
    Dr Graeme Boswell (BBSRC)
    Dr Helen Jacobs (BBSRC)
    Dr Iulian Storliu (EPSRC)

    Previous PhD students:

    Dr Ali-Al Taie, Continuum models for fungal growth
    Dr Ebraheem Alzahrani, Travelling waves in bistable competition models
    Dr Andrew Bowen (with Prof. G.M. Gadd, MMB)Biogeochemical Activity
    Dr Niall Dodds, Non-local differential equations;
    Dr Michael Smith (with Dr J. Kobine, Civil Engineering), Liquid Column Dampers.
    Dr Rui Xu, Stage-structured population dynamics;
    PhD opportunities are available in all of the above areas - please contact me for further details.