Erika Tatiana Camacho (Arizona State University, School of Mathematical & Natural Sciences, USA / Vision Institute, Paris) has been invited by Thierry Léveillard to hold a talk on Friday 9th December, 10 AM, in the conference room of the UCL, 13 Rue Moreau.
This talk will be on "Using mathematical modeling to investigate and mitigate photoreceptors degeneration".
Abstract
This talk will provide a brief overview of my mathematical research in photoreceptor degeneration and vitality at both the cellular and molecular level as well as the interactions and feedback mechanisms within and between these levels. Mathematical modeling has been used to study diverse biological topics ranging from protein folding to cell interactions to interacting populations of humans but has only recently been used to study photoreceptor degeneration, which occurs in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). There are many different maladies that can result in blindness but the ones that result from photoreceptor degeneration pose the biggest threat as there is no cure. Computer (in silico) experiments in this area have given researchers invaluable insights to mitigate blindness and, in some cases, re-directed experimental research. My mathematical models, often developed in collaboration with experimental researchers and/or their data, investigate experimentally observed photoreceptor death and rescue in retinal degeneration and so of the complex interrelated metabolic pathways in cones. Dynamical systems, optimal control, uncertainty and sensitivity analysis together with in silico experiments are used to analyze these systems of nonlinear differential equations. This work highlights the delicate balance of many aspects of the photoreceptor system including the inter-dependent and inter-connected feedback processes modulated by and affecting cone’s metabolism. My work provides a framework for future physiological investigations potentially leading to long-term targeted multi-faceted interventions and therapies.
Bio
Dr. Erika Tatiana Camacho currently holds positions as a Fulbright Research Scholar at the Institut de la Vision-Sorbonne Université in Paris and as Full Professor in the School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU). On July 29, 2022 she ended three impressive years of work at the National Science Foundation (NSF) as Program Director of the ADVANCE, the Racial Equity in STEM Education, and Hispanic- Serving Institutions (HSI) Programs as well as co-Lead of the HSI Program. At NSF Camacho, created and contributed significantly to impactful initiatives dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
