Benjamin Bolker

Benjamin Bolker is a Professor in the Department of Biology at McMaster University's Faculty of Science. His academic career spans mathematical biology, ecology, evolution, and epidemiology with significant contributions to computational statistics.

His research focuses on the interface between ecology, evolution, and epidemiology, particularly examining host-pathogen interactions (including human infectious diseases like COVID-19, influenza, bubonic plague, Ebola, and HIV) and spatiotemporal dynamics of ecological communities. In computational statistics, he develops algorithms and software for fitting multilevel models and general statistical models. His work spans diverse biological systems including wildlife disease in tiger salamanders and gopher tortoises, movement ecology of black bears and Florida panthers, and bird-mediated seed dispersal.

His recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate a strong emphasis on epidemic modeling, statistical methodology development, and ecological dynamics. The research shows particular strength in developing computational tools (like glmmTMB), analyzing historical pandemics, and addressing methodological challenges in ecological and epidemiological data analysis.

• Teaches courses including Statistical Modelling, Quantitative Methods in Ecology and Evolution, and The Ecology and Evolution of Organisms
• Develops and maintains statistical software for multilevel modeling
• Research funded through various grants supporting infectious disease modeling and ecological statistics

His laboratory focuses on computational approaches to ecological and epidemiological problems, with particular emphasis on developing open-source statistical tools that bridge theoretical models and empirical data.