Carlos Castillo-Chavez, ASU professor, former tenured Cornell University professor, and prominent mathematical epidemiologist whose research was featured in the national news during last year's SARS epidemic, will speak at Estrella Mountain Community College on Friday, April 9, 1-2:30 p.m., in the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL).
His talk will focus on the use of epidemiological processes to study the dynamics of disease, drug use, collaborative learning, SARS and bioterrorism. Through the use of mathematical models, he'll address the social spread of disease and possible ways to fight disease and limit the impact of potential deliberate releases of biological agents.
Professor Castillo-Chavez was a tenured chair in biomathematics at Cornell University and Director of the Mathematical and Theoretical Biology Institute (MTBI), which provides research opportunities to thirty-two undergraduate students each summer, with a particular focus on students from underrepresented groups and nonselective universities. He left in January of this year to join ASU's Department of Mathematics and Statistics, partly because of ASU's accessibility to people from all backgrounds. In addition to being a prominent researcher, Castillo-Chavez is also known for developing programs to encourage minority participation in science.
He has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, given by President Clinton (1997); the Faculty Fellowship Award (1992-1997), given by President Bush; the 2001 Distinguished Scientist Award, given by the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (2001); and the QEM Mathematics, Science and Engineering Network 2000 Giants in Science Award.
Castillo-Chavez has co-authored or edited five books and more than one hundred articles. His latest book, an edited volume with Tom Banks, is entitled "Bioterrorism: Mathematical Modeling Applications in Homeland Security".
This lecture was made possible by a grant from the National Science Foundation's Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarship Program (CSEMS) and with assistance from EMCC's NASA Center for Success in Math and Science. In addition, the program fulfills a mission of the Maricopa Community Colleges to provide education and job training for existing and emerging industries, such as Bioscience and Technology.
Estrella Mountain Community College is located at 3000 N. Dysart Road in Avondale and is a Maricopa Community College. For more information, contact Rey Rivera at 623.935.8464.
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