Keywords
Biography
Steffen is an Applied Mathematician broadly interested in understanding the mechanisms underlying diseases. His current research is on the growth and persistence of pathogens within a host and immune responses towards these pathogens. The primary pathogens he focuses on are HIV and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV), but Steffen has also worked on Malaria and COVID-19. In his research, Steffen works closely with experimental collaborators...view more
Steffen is an Applied Mathematician broadly interested in understanding the mechanisms underlying diseases. His current research is on the growth and persistence of pathogens within a host and immune responses towards these pathogens. The primary pathogens he focuses on are HIV and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV), but Steffen has also worked on Malaria and COVID-19. In his research, Steffen works closely with experimental collaborators from the fields of virology and immunology.
Previously, Steffen's dissertation research focused on modelling the effects of anti-arrhythmic drugs on electrical signalling in the heart, which he completed at the University of California, Davis, receiving his Ph.D. in applied mathematics in 2018.
My Qualifications
BA (Phys and Math), MSc (Applied Math), MSc (Pharmacology and Toxicology), PhD (Applied Math)
My Awards
UNSW Medicine & Health Early Career Academic Network Best Paper (Basic Science Category; 2024)
UNSW Values in Action Award Winner in the Heroes (Team Category; 2022)
My Research Activities
I am broadly interested in utilising mathematical modelling to further our understanding of diseases and aid in the development of new therapies. Currently, I am focusing on the interaction between the immune system and evolution of HIV or Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) within a host, especially in the context of viral rebound following treatment interruption. I am also examining the kinetics of viral production by individual infected cells.
In my research, I use a variety of mathematical techniques, such as differential equations and dynamical systems, probabilistic modelling, singular perturbation analysis, and model selection.
Contact
Publications
ORCID as entered in ROS
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3771-5504