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Faculty of Science

Department of Mathematics & Statistics













MathBio Seminar | Monica Cojocaru (University of Guelph)
	
 Feb 12, 2026 
 10:30AM to 11:30AM




































Date/Time

Date(s) - 12/02/2026
10:30 am - 11:30 am





Speaker: Monica Cojocaru (University of Guelph)


Location: Hamilton Hall, Room 410 & Zoom

Zoom link: https://mcmaster.zoom.us/j/98308755554  (Passcode: MathBio)


Title: Modelling disease transmission: new approaches for MPOX, EBV and measles modelling 


Abstract: Mathematical modelling is a valuable tool in assessing disease dynamics and interventions. Models may be deterministic, stochastic, data driven, network based, or hybrid, combining multiple approaches. Advances in computing power, data collection, and simulation frameworks have made it possible to create dynamic models that integrate individual behaviour, environmental context and policy scenarios. The agent-based framework was chosen for this thesis because of its ability to simulate person-to-person behavioural characteristics, personality traits, and individual decision-making.


The research my group is currently using consists of: agent-based frameworks, equation-based frameworks, diseases that have a behavioural component influencing transmission dynamics, employs calibration methods to ensure realistic models and includes the testing of scenarios to investigate control strategies. The talk will have three parts, addressing MPOX transmission with a signaling game, EBV transmission, and measles resurfacing and the importance of visualizing public policy.




This talk is joint work with: Bridgette Amoako, Ed Thommes, Chapin Korosec and Sidd Kaddam (@UoGuelph), Dominic Huang & Warren Hare (@UBC Okanagan).