University of Miami
Department of Mathematics
College of Arts and Sciences

Lecture Series

Dr. Simon Levin
Moffett Professor of Biology
Princeton University

will present

Games Organisms Play

Thursday, January 6, 2005, 3:00pm
Ungar Room 402

Refreshments at 2:30pm in Ungar Room 521
All interested persons are welcome to attend.


Abstract: Classical theory in evolutionary biology confused the process of adaptation with the notion of optimization. It has long been recognized that this is a flawed perspective, and that game theoretic notions are much more relevant to understanding the evolution of species, and the assembly of ecological communities. After a brief review of advances in this area, I will illustrate with examples and challenges drawn from ecology, with applications to behavioral economics.

and will also present

Mathematical Challenges in the Theory of Infectious Diseases

Tuesday, January 11, 2005, 3:00pm
Ungar Room 402

Refreshments at 2:30pm in Ungar Room 521
All interested persons are welcome to attend.


Abstract: The theory of infectious diseases has a rich mathematical history, and mathematical advances have played and continue to play a crucial role in disease management. After a brief historical review, I will discuss current problems and challenges in managing influenza, and in antibiotic resistance.

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Some Information:

Simon Levin
2004 Heineken Prize in Environmental Science Winner

Simon Levin is latest winner of the A. H. Heineken Prize for Environmental Sciences. Levin, a George M. Moffett Professor at Princeton University, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, has been honored with the $150,000 prize for his "insights into the effects of scale on ecosystems." Since its inception in 1990, the Heineken Prize, given by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, has been awarded biennially.

Levin's peers have acknowledged -- via citation -- the importance of his work in Ecology/Environmental Sciences for many years. His 1981 paper, Inter-tidal landscapes -- disturbance and the dynamics of pattern in Ecological Monographs 51(2): 145-178, has been cited to date over 550 times.

Currently, Levin describes his work as "understanding how macroscopic patterns and processes are maintained at the level of ecosystems and the biosphere, in terms of ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that operate primarily at the level of organisms." His recent articles include applications of his ecosystem models to seed dispersal, antigenic evolution of influenza A, the spread of antibiotic resistance, the dynamics of fish shoals, the short- and long-term evolution of malaria resistance, and other wide-ranging subjects.