معرفی
Dr Thomas Woolley is a Reader in Applied Mathematics at Cardiff University's School of Mathematics, where he leads research in mathematical biology with a focus on pattern formation and cellular dynamics. His academic journey began at the University of Oxford (2004-2017), where he specialized in mathematical biology, completing doctoral research on the pattern formation behind fish spots and zebra stripes. At Cardiff, he maintains an active research program while supervising PhD students and engaging in significant mathematical outreach.
Dr Woolley's research interests center on mathematical biology, particularly morphogenesis, reaction-diffusion theory, cellular motion, stochastic dynamics, and neurobiology. His current work investigates muscle stem cell protrusions known as blebs that enable cells to navigate toward damaged muscle tissue for healing and regeneration. He develops analytical links between discrete cellular protrusions and continuous population distributions, with the goal of algebraically coupling observable cellular motion to unobservable structural features of the cell membrane. His research also explores Turing-type pattern formation across biological systems, from feather development to fingerprint variation.
His recent publications demonstrate consistent output across high-impact journals, with work spanning theoretical mathematical biology, medical applications, and public health modeling. Notable recent projects include modeling indoor airborne transmission during the pandemic, analyzing bat movement patterns, and investigating pattern formation in biological systems. His research shows strong interdisciplinary connections between mathematics, biology, and medicine.
- Poster prize at international biology conference
Dr Woolley actively supervises doctoral students and research assistants, with a track record of successful PhD completions. His supervision approach emphasizes connecting mathematical theory with biological applications, often through collaborations with experimentalists. He has developed several interactive web applications to implement research findings, including tools for predicting Covid-19 transmission and optimizing public transport seating during the pandemic. His work on stem cell motion and pattern formation continues to advance our understanding of fundamental biological processes with potential therapeutic applications.
