Doctoral Students
Laura Keane
Topic: Mathematical modelling of batteries
BSc Actuarial Mathematics, Dublin City University
MSc Mathematical Modelling, University of Limerick
Laura's research interests are in applied and industrial mathematics - applying mathematics to solve real world problems. Her current research focus relates to using mathematical methods such as numerical simulation and asymptotic analysis to understand how different materials can be used to help prolong battery lifetimes. She also has a keen interest in science communication, in particular, promoting the various ways math can lead to different careers, the ways it can be used in our everyday lives, and generally making math less intimidating for people.
Outside of research Laura enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and loves to travel, exploring different countries and cultures.
- Faculty of Science Excellence in Educational Leadership Award (2023)
- York University Carswell Scholarship (2019)
- York University Faculty of Science Richard Jarrell Excellence in Teaching at the Graduate Level Award (2021)
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (2020)

Zahra Khanzad
Topic: Distancing dynamics on a social spectrum
BSc Mathematics Teaching, Farhangian University
MSc Applied Mathematics, Sharif University of Technology
Zahra enjoy mathematical modelling of diseases and also teaching mathematics.
Sarah Machado-Marques
Topic: Behavioural Modelling of Mpox
HBSc Mathematics & History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, University of Toronto
MA Mathematics & Statistics- Applied Mathematics, York University
Sarah’s research focuses on bridging the gap between epidemiological models and theories of human behavior. She is currently working on incorporating behavioural mechanisms into models of the spread of mpox, a disease transmitted primarily through close, prolonged contact. Using analytical and numerical methods, she aims to understand how social and behavioral factors such as partner dynamics, media influence, and vaccine uptake impact overall disease outcomes in a population. Sarah is also interested in supporting women to pursue STEM through outreach and community building.
Outside of research, she enjoys hiking, gardening, and trying new hobbies.
- Canadian Immunization Research Network (CIRN) Trainee Scholarship (2024)
- Manulife Graduate Scholarship (2024)
- QEII Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (2024)
- Vernon Oliver Stong Graduate Scholarship in Science (2024)

Masters Students
Ahad Moosa
Topic:
Undergraduate Students
Alumni
Tamara Kostyuk, MSc. Topic: Mathematical modelling of soil nitrification. Currently applying to PhD Program (Dean's Scholarship for Women in Science)
Avneet Kaur, MSc. Topic: Behaviour in disease modelling. Currently a data scientist at Affirm
Jeta Molla, Postdoctoral Researcher. Topic: Behaviour modelling in COVID-19. Currently at the Royal Bank of Canada.
Iffah Pasha, BSc. Topic: Waning immunity in diseases. Currently applying to medical school (NSERC Undergraduate Research Award)
Chang In Oh, MSc. Topic: Linear Unmixing Algorithms.
Tamara Kostyuk, BSc. Topic: Mathematical modelling of powdery mildew in cannabis. Currently finishing undergraduate studies (NSERC Undergraduate Research Award)
Quynh Vu, BSc. Topic: Modelling COVID-19 infection in theme parks. Currently finishing undergraduate studies (Dean's Undergraduate Research Award)
Amen Okungbowa, BSc. Topic: Degredation of microplastics in oceans. Currently finishing undergraduate studies (York University Science Scholars Award)
Fatima Ahmed, BSc. Topic: Designing loan libraries for winter clothing.
Gian Alix, BSc. Topic: Mathematical Modelling of Salmonella in Onions. Currently complete a Masters degree at York University (Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence from the Vector Institute)
Mehrdad Kazemi, BSc. Topic: Vaccine Dynamics in COVID-19. Currently finishing undergraduate studies
Iffah Pasha, BSc. Topic: Overheating in Batteries. Currently finishing undergraduate studies and starting a new project with me
Tasnim Kassia, BSc. Topic: Overheating in Batteries. Currently finishing undergraduate studies
Mithuzha Thangavel, BSc. Topic: Overheating in Batteries. Currently finishing undergraduate studies
Suzan Farhang-Sardroodi, Postdoctoral Researcher. Topic: Social Distancing Dynamics for COVID-19. Currently a research associate at the University of Toronto.
Alina Dubovskaya, PhD. Topic: Mathematical Modelling of Phosphorus Transport.
Joshua Duley, PhD. Topic: Liesegang Rings.
James Fannon, PhD. Topic: Drumlins and Granular Flows. Currently working at Met Eireann in Ireland (SIAM best poster winner)
Laura Keane, MSc. Topic: Flow in triangular pipes. Currently completing a PhD with me