Dr James Bennett

Biography

I am a physicist-turned-mathematician studying how we can best use real (read: messy!) data and mathematical models to better understand complicated phenomena such as life.

Research Interests

Much of our understanding of the physical world can be succinctly summarised using a key set of principles most often phrased in the language of mathematics. However, applying these ideas to living organisms has been fraught with difficulty due to the immense complexity of life across multiple length and time scales. Consider the rapid molecular dances taking place within each of your cells right now, below the microscopic level; then how the organisation of those molecules gives rise to microscopic cells that live for days, years or decades, each with their own roles and behaviours;  then how those cells combine to create you. Fortunately, advances in biology, computation and mathematics are permitting us to begin teasing out core biological principles. I aim to contribute to this as part of MACSYS (ARC Centre of Excellence for the Mathematical Analysis of Cellular Systems).

ORCID:  0000-0002-4421-919X

Expertise

Prior to joining MACSYS, I studied quantum mechanics using optomechanical oscillators (microscopic guitar strings that can be plucked using the force of light). I also researched magnetic field sensors based on optomechanical devices, showing that they hold significant promise for applications such as magnetic navigation and through-earth communication.

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons I): The University of Queensland, Extended Major in Physics.
• PhD: The University of Queensland. Supervised by Prof. Warwick Bowen, Prof. Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop (AO, FAA), and Dr Lars Madsen.