Penman Group: Infectious disease epidemiology, host genetics and evolution
Introduction
We know that a person’s genes can predispose them to particular diseases. However, why do human genetic differences exist at all? Natural selection from pathogens is an important selective force maintaining genetic diversity in human populations. We use mathematical models and computational simulations of evolution to understand this process. Understanding how pathogen selection drives genetic diversity in humans will offer mechanistic insights into functional differences between variants of human genes, and will also teach us new ways that we can combat infectious disease.
For all publications from the Penman group please see Publication list.
Our current research topics are shown below, but I’m happy to develop project ideas with any student who wants to apply mathematical and computational approaches to problems in infectious disease and host/pathogen co-evolution.
Current research
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Predicting infectious disease evolution in light of immune system diversity (Funded by Academy of Medical Sciences Springboard Grant) |
The rules of malaria adaptation | Viral evolution to exploit host autophagy |
Group members
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Connor White
|
Susie Cant
|
Mamas Louca |
| Grace Trivett | Rachael Ralph | Arthur Margolis |
Dr Bridget Penman
Associate Professor, School of Life Sciences
Room 5.13, MSB | Room B137, Gibbet Hill