Kristina Wicke

Kristina Wicke is an Assistant Professor in Mathematical Sciences at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Her research focuses on phylogenetics, biodiversity conservation, and mathematical biology, with particular emphasis on phylogenetic networks and evolutionary analysis. She collaborates on projects funded by the Royal Society Te Apārangi, including the 2023 grant investigating 'The tree complexity of reticulate evolution.'

Dr. Wicke's work bridges combinatorial mathematics and biology, addressing challenges in phylogenetic tree balance, network optimization, and biodiversity indices. Key contributions include analyses of Fair Proportion Index robustness, cophenetic indices for network balance, and algorithmic approaches to phylogenetic network reconstruction (e.g., NANUQ+).

Her research output includes 29 peer-reviewed articles across 2017–2025. Notable projects involve quantifying tree balance, bounding parsimony scores, and exploring network topology's implications for evolutionary models. She co-led a federal grant examining reticulate evolution's tree complexity and contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives merging computational methods with ecological conservation.