David Murrugarra

David Murrugarra is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Kentucky, within the College of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on Mathematical Biology, with emphasis on Systems Biology and Computational Biology. He holds a PhD in Mathematics from Virginia Tech and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the School of Mathematics at Georgia Tech before joining UK in 2014. His contact information includes murrugarra@uky.edu and an office at 771 Patterson Office Tower.

Education:

• PhD in Mathematics, Virginia Tech
• Postdoctoral Research, School of Mathematics, Georgia Tech

Research Interests: Dr. Murrugarra develops theoretical and computational tools for modeling gene regulatory networks, optimal control of probabilistic models using Markov decision processes, and RNA secondary structure prediction via machine learning. His funded projects include an NSF grant on modularity in biological systems and a UK Pilot Grant on RNA structure predictability.

Recent Research Trends: His work bridges abstract mathematical frameworks with biological applications, emphasizing modularity, network control, and systems-level analysis. Key themes include modular decomposition of biological networks, intervention strategies for cancer systems, and the integration of machine learning into biological modeling.

Grants & Projects:

• NSF grant: Mathematical Theory of Biological Modularity
• UK Pilot Grant: RNA Secondary Structure Prediction

Labs & Collaborations: He leads a weekly Applied and Computational Mathematics seminar and co-organizes the Mathematics Community and Ethics (MCE) Working Group at UK. His research group actively engages in interdisciplinary projects combining mathematics, biology, and computational science.