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Department of Plant Sciences

 

Research Group 

 
 

Research Overview

I focus on modelling the spread, detection, evolution and control of plant pests and pathogens. My theoretical work uses deterministic, stochastic, and spatial models to improve strategic understanding. My applied work concentrates on using models to understand how detection and control can be optimised.
 
 

School of Biological Sciences Theme Affiliations

 
 

Teaching

I currently teach on the following courses in the Natural Sciences Tripos: Part IA Mathematical Biology, Part IB Mathematical & Computational Biology, Part IB Plant & Microbial Science and Part II Plant Science. Previously I have also provided teaching for Part II Zoology and Part III Systems Biology.
 
 

Research Supervision

I have supervised six PhD students to successful completion and am currently lead supervisor of four further students at the University of Cambridge.
 
 

Previous Positions

  • 2021-2022 Associate Professor, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge
  • 2018-2021 University Senior Lecturer, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge
  • 2016-2018 University Lecturer, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge
  • 2009-2016 Unestablished University Lecturer, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge
  • 2009-present College Lecturer in Natural Sciences (Part-Time), Girton College, University of Cambridge
  • 2008-2011 Associate Lecturer in Mathematics (Part-Time), The Open University
  • 2008-2009 Teaching Associate, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge
  • 1998-2002 European Research Manager, Autonomy Corporation
  • 1997-1998 Analyst Programmer, Alphametrics Ltd.

 

Qualifications

  • 2003-2007 PhD in Mathematical Biology, University of Cambridge
  • 2002-2003 MSc Modern Applications of Mathematics, University of Bath
  • 1996-1997 MPhil Computer Speech and Language Processing, University of Cambridge
  • 1993-1996 MA Mathematics, St Catharine's College, University of Cambridge

 

Websites

 
 
 
 
 
 

All Publications

 
 

Awards and Fellowships

  • 2021 Syngenta Award, American Phytopathological Society
  • 2016 Schroth Face of the Future Award, American Phytopathological Society
  • 2015 Pilkington Prize for Teaching, University of Cambridge
  • 2009 Official Fellow, Girton College, University of Cambridge
 
 

Committees

  • 2020-present Editorial Board, PhytoFrontiers, American Phytopathological Society
  • 2019-2021 Elected Board Member, British Society for Plant Pathology
  • 2018-present Editorial Board, Phytopathology, American Phytopathological Society
  • 2017-present Editorial Board, Tropical Plant Pathology, Brazilian Phytopathological Society
Head of Theoretical and Computational Epidemiology Group
Director of Teaching
Dr Nik  Cunniffe

Contact Details

Email address: 
Department of Plant Sciences,
University of Cambridge,
Downing Street,
Cambridge,
CB2 3EA
01223 333954