Bio

Casey O’Brien is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomathematics. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2021 with a BS in Mathematical Biology and Computational Biology and spent the following year working as a Bioinformatics Analyst at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Since starting his PhD in August of 2023, Casey’s research has focused on modeling genetic control measures for vector-borne diseases using systems of differential equations. He is specifically looking at the development of gene drive, a powerful but controversial genetic tool to control these diseases. Their development will require active communication between stakeholders, scientists, and policymakers. In addition to conducting his research, Casey has also spent time designing and teaching an undergraduate course about his research titled, “Taming Selfish DNA.”