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Arizona State University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
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Carlos Castillo-Chavez
 
Regents and Joaquin Bustoz Jr. Professor (of Mathematics)
 
OfficePSA 521
Phone480-965-1151
E-mailchavez@math.asu.edu
URLhttp://math.asu.edu/~chavez
Area of ResearchMathematical and Theoretical Biology
DegreePh.D. University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1984
Joined ASU in2004
Carlos Castillo-Chavez research program lives at the interface of the natural and social sciences. CCC's research program puts emphasis on the role of dynamic social landscapes on disease evolution. In this context, in collaboration with various researchers (graduate students, postdocs and senior faculty elsewhere), joint work is conducted on the role of cross-immunity on the evolution and dynamics of influenza; the impact of behavioral changes, long periods of infectiousness, variable infectivity, co-infections, prostitution, social networks and vaccine efficacy on HIV dynamics; the role of exogenous re-infection, variable progression rates, vaccination, public transportation, close and casual contacts (generalized households) on tuberculosis dynamics and control; the impact of life-history vector dynamics on dengue epidemics; and on the identification of time response scales for epidemics like foot and mouth disease (Uruguay). More recently, CCC and collaborators have worked on the role of dispersal and disease as enhancing mechanisms of ecological diversity. Most recently, research efforts focus on problems at the interface of homeland security and disease invasions (natural or deliberate) and on models for the spread of social "diseases" like alcoholism and ecstasy. Work on models for the spread of extreme ideologies and their impact on cultural norms is also under way. The work on homeland security is briefly described on his February column of "Beyond numbers and proofs".

In addition, Carlos Castillo-Chavez is the Executive Director of the Mathematical and Theoretical Biology Institute or MTBI which focuses on providing research opportunities at the interface of the biological, computational and mathematical sciences from the undergraduate to the graduate and postdoctoral levels and SUMS (Strengthening the Understanding of Mathematics and Science) which is designed to provide a successful university experience for students from underrepresented groups and to enhance their prospects for future academic success.