VPW: Compartmental Models of Cell Growth (Computational Mathematics)

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This research is relative to a compartmental model of the cell growth cycle to better understand the triggering mechanism for the initiation of DNA synthesis and mitosis. The model was first proposed and analyzed by Busenberg and Mahffy who showed that the increase in cell size can trigger biochemical oscillations leading to DNA synthesis. The relation between nutrient supply and increase in cell size is, however, now well understood. In addition, the geometrical shape of the cell is an important factor in the triggering mechanism and so far only the case of a spherical cell has been treated. The research will investigate the effect of nutrient supply and the shape of the cell on the initiation of DNA synthesis. The project furthers VPW program objectives to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in science or engineering through research, and to encourage other women to pursue careers in these areas through the investigator's enhanced visibility as a role model on the host campus. The proposed activities which contribute to the second objective include: teaching two sections of an elementary differential equations course, which will enable the P.I. to interact with many students in their freshman or sophomore years; organizing, jointly with Busenberg, a weekly Mathematical Biology Seminar; giving a series of lectures on her own research; and inviting applied mathematicians from other universities as guest speakers, six of whom would be women; providing guidance and counseling, especially to women students.