The Mathematical and Theoretical Biology Institute was established in 1996 by Carlos Castillo-Chavez at Cornell University, later moving to Arizona State University. Born in Mexico City in 1952, he immigrated to the United States in 1974. His academic career spanned decades, focusing on epidemiological modeling and the promotion of underrepresented groups within scientific research communities.
Academic Foundation
After working in a Wisconsin cheese factory, he attended the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, earning degrees in mathematics and Spanish literature in 1976. He subsequently secured a Master of Science in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and completed his doctorate at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1984. These formative years preceded an eighteen-year tenure as a professor at Cornell University.
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His scholarly output encompasses over 560 articles and twelve books. His research investigates the interplay between social dynamics and disease dispersal, analyzing how human behavior and environmental factors influence the progression of conditions such as influenza, Ebola, tuberculosis, and the Zika virus. Additionally, he developed mathematical frameworks to explain the spread of ideas, including social contagion effects observed in recurrent mass shootings.
Institutional Leadership
In 2004, he joined Arizona State University, where he held the positions of Regents Professor and the Joaquín Bustoz Jr. Professor of Mathematical Biology. He founded the Applied Mathematics in the Life and Social Sciences programs in 2008 and served as the director for the Joaquín Bustoz Math-Science Honors Program. Between 2016 and 2018, he served as the rector of Yachay University for Experimental Technology and Research in Ecuador.
Recognition and Mentorship
Castillo-Chavez received numerous honors, including three White House Awards and the 2010 American Mathematical Society Distinguished Public Service Award. He was elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Mathematical Society, and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. By 2020, his advisory record included 52 PhD students and over 500 mentored undergraduates.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952, Mexico City
- Citizenship: Mexico, United States
- Doctoral Degree: University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1984
- Primary Employers: Cornell University, Arizona State University
- Founding Year of MTBI: 1996
- Yachay Tech University Tenure: 2016–2018
- Fellow: American Mathematical Society (2013)
Questions readers ask
What is the primary focus of his research?
His work examines mathematical models for disease progression, social contagion, and the influence of human behavior on epidemiological dynamics.
Did he focus on academic mentoring?
Yes, he mentored hundreds of students and established programs specifically aimed at supporting underrepresented groups in mathematics and science.
Achievements
- Held posts at Cornell University, Arizona State University and Santa Fe Institute