Jeremy Sumner

Associate Professor Jeremy Sumner is affiliated with the School of Natural Sciences and the Department of Mathematics at the University of Tasmania. His research focuses on applying algebraic methods, particularly group representation theory, to phylogenetic models to improve evolutionary inference from molecular data. He holds a PhD and BSc (First Class Honors) in Mathematics from the University of Tasmania.

Education:

• PhD in Entanglement, Invariants, and Phylogenetics (University of Tasmania, 2007)
• BSc (1st Class Hons) in Polar Decomposition of a Dirac Spinor (University of Tasmania, 2001)

Research Interests:

Jeremy’s work centers on developing algebraic frameworks for phylogenetics, including Lie-Markov models and group theory applications. He explores how symmetries in DNA substitution processes can enhance evolutionary analysis. His research bridges theoretical physics and biology, addressing challenges in molecular evolution and phylogenetic tree reconstruction.

Grants & Projects:

• ARC Discovery Projects (e.g., 'Algebraically Informed Models of Biological Sequence Evolution' and 'Group Theory and Phylogenetics')
• DECRA Fellowship for research on Lie-Markov models

Advising & Teaching:

• Supervised PhD students in areas like graded rings of Markov invariants and evolutionary sequence analysis
• Teaches courses in linear algebra, differential equations, and group theory

Collaborations:

Member of the UTAS Theoretical Phylogenetics Research Group and organizer of the annual Phylomania conference, fostering international collaboration in theoretical phylogenetics.