Projects
Special solution techniques for systems of partial differential operators in Clifford analysis Ghent University
In our project we plan to investigate several fundamental equations in Clifford analysis from a group theoretical point of view, studying the invariance of those equations (and thus also the solutions) under the action of (subgroups of) the orthogonal or unitary group (spin groups). This will lead to systems of PDEs with variable coefficients defined in lower dimensions, the standard example being the Vekua system in the plane. We also intend ...
Development and application of an inferential account of automatic evaluation and behavior Ghent University
The idea that automatic (e.g., unintentional) behavior such as the automatic evaluation of a stimulus (e.g., a snake), is the outcome of processes that operate on the basis of mental associations whereas reasoning or belief-based processes drive more controlled behavior has proven highly influential in psychological science. Importantly, however, recent findings have challenged key assumptions of these dual-process theories and inspired ...
Analysis and Partial Differential Equations Ghent University
The analysis of partial differential equations (PDEs) occupies a central place among a wide range of sciences. Processes of evolution or static models, starting from the groundbreaking works of Isaac Newton, are described by PDEs of different types. The project aims at pursuing their mathematical analysis: frame decompositions, noncommutative analysis, equations with singularities, evolution PDEs, fractional analysis and inverse problems.
Unipept Next: A differential, multi-omics, highly flexible Unipept Ghent University
"Metaproteomics is an excellent tool for the taxonomic and functional analysis of complex ecosystems. The field is rapidly evolving and the amount of metaproteomics data that needs to be processed is constantly growing, which poses new challenges for metaproteomics data analysis tools that exist today. Unipept (https://unipept.ugent.be) is a leading tool for metaproteomics data analysis that provides researchers with the ability to extract ...
Functional and structural characterization of the appendage domains of the large endocytic adaptors in plants to achieve a mechanistic understanding of their differential role. Ghent University
The plasma membrane (PM) houses many proteins required to communicate with the outside world. Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is an essential process that removes proteins from the PM, thereby providing a way to regulate their activity. In plants, CME is facilitated by 2 protein complexes, the TPLATE complex (TPC) and the AP-2 complex (AP- 2), which have common and distinct roles. Their large subunits have appendages that likely serve as ...
Modeling the temperature anisotropies and differential acceleration of protons and heavy ions in the expanding, turbulent solar wind: comparing numerical simulations with spacecraft observations. KU Leuven
The fast solar wind is the outflow of hot ionized gas, called plasma, which originates at the Sun and travels in the interplanetary space with a typical speed of 600-800 km/s. It consists mainly of electrons, protons and a small fraction of heavy ions, such as double ionized helium nuclei. The solar wind medium is permeated by different electromagnetic waves, which are believed to play important role for particle heating and energization. ...
Theoretical and numerical analysis of inverse problems in evolutionary partial differential equations Ghent University
The aim of this project is a theoretical and numerical study of inverse problems for nonlinear
evolution equations of parabolic and hyperbolic type. The added value relies on the
development of new robust and efficient numerical techniques for inverse problems
containing nonlocal terms.
Mechanisms and eco-evolutionary implications of urban evolution in the water flea Daphnia KU Leuven
Urbanization induces strong environmental alterations and is considered a strong selective agent in current day landscapes. I previously showed that the water flea Daphnia magna genetically adapts to urbanization via the evolution of a higher heat tolerance, a faster pace-of-life, and higher concentrations of energy reserves. Daphnia is an important interactor in freshwater ponds and pools, contributing to the clear-water phase via top-down ...
Population genomics of contemporary evolution in space and time KU Leuven
The capacity of natural populations to evolve in the face of changing environments depends on the dynamics of adaptive (such as natural selection) and neutral processes (such as random genetic drift and migration). Disentangling these processes may help our understanding of evolution and can be used to model and predict future responses to environÂmental changes. In the past, research mainly focused on documenting the rates at which traits ...