General theory of inclusive fitness in structured populations; large non-additive effects; microbial interactions

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My overall objective is to contribute directly to our knowledge and understanding of ecological and evolutionary change through the construction of mathematical models, focusing particularly on the modeling of animal and microbial behaviour in structured populations using an inclusive fitness approach. This approach will be used to study altruistic and cooperative behaviours, allocation between growth and fecundity, and the role of information transfer in determining the outcome of conflicts. These are areas of current great activity, particularly in the microbial world, as we seek a better understanding of bacterial and viral behaviour in host-pathogen systems. Through this work I will also clarify the mathematical foundations of the inclusive fitness approach, and identify its strengths and limitations. There is currently much confusion in the community around this question. My findings will contribute to the work of others who wish to make better use of the power of mathematics in their modeling. Through this work I will train undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, who may come from a background in mathematics or biology, in mathematical modeling in evolutionary ecology.