CAREER: Theory and methods to understand and predict how heterogeneous population structure shapes evolutionary dynamics

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $865,988 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Living systems, from cancer cells to microbial colonies and human populations, are inherently spatial, meaning that individuals interact within complex networks of relationships. However, current theory attempting to understand and predict the future evolution of these systems largely overlooks this spatial complexity. This project will build new, more realistic frameworks to understand how the intricate "shape" of biological populations, such as their patterns of interaction and reproduction, influences their future evolution. This includes studying how quickly mutations spread, how pathogenic populations expand and how organisms adapt to new treatments and environments. By combining cutting-edge mathematics, computational tools, and data from real biological systems, the project will create open-source software and visualization tools to help researchers interpret emerging, highly detailed spatial datasets. These tools will provide a foundation for studying evolutionary dynamics in spatially structured populations across diverse areas, including cancer progression, aging and microbial ecosystems. The project also emphasizes education and public engagement, incorporating interactive visualizations and undergraduate and graduate research experiences to make complex evolutionary concepts accessible and inspiring to a broad audience and train the future US scientific and industrial workforce. At a technical level, the project develops novel mathematical and computational mo

Key facts

NSF award ID
2442397
Awardee
Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
SAM.gov UEI
U3NKNFLNQ613
PI
Oana Carja
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, ADVANCES IN BIO INFORMATICS
Estimated total
$865,988
Funds obligated
$323,642
Transaction type
Continuing Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2030