School of Mathematical Sciences Colloquium Series |
Statistical challenges in molecular
phylogenetics
by
Dr Barbara Holland
Location: Mawson Lab G19 lecture theatre
Date: Friday, 20 May
Time: 15:10
Abstract: This talk will give an introduction to the ways that mathematics and statistics gets used in the inference of evolutionary (phylogenetic) trees. Taking a model-based approach to estimating the relationships between species has proven to be an enormously effective, however, there are some tricky statistical challenges that remain. The increasingly plentiful amount of DNA sequence data is a boon, but it is also throwing a spotlight on some of the shortcomings of current best practice particularly in how we (1) assess the reliability of our phylogenetic estimates, and (2) how we choose appropriate models. This talk will aim to give a general introduction this area of research and will also highlight some results from two of my recent PhD students.
The Colloquium will be followed by a reception for our speaker in the Staff Tea Room with wine and nibbles to which all are invited.
Barbara Holland's web-page