Sarah Otto
Zoology

Recipient of the UBC Charles A. McDowell Award for Excellence in Research 2004

Sarah Otto is an associate professor in the Department of Zoology, studying population genetics and evolutionary biology. She develops and analyses mathematical models to study how populations change over time. The aim of this work is to identify when and whether particular evolutionary transitions are possible.

Mathematical evolutionary biology sounds, at first, like a contradiction in terms. Biologists are supposed to observe and describe living systems, not equations. The face of biology is changing, however. Today, a lot of research is performed in front of a lab bench, seeing little more than DNA or protein extracts from an organism. And mathematics, especially statistics, has become an essential tool.

Sarah Otto was a 1999 Distinguished Scholar in Residence.

The Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies at the University of British Columbia supports basic research through interdisciplinary initiatives that have the potential to make important advances in knowledge. The Institute brings together researchers from UBC with distinguished scholars from around the world to conduct fundamental research drawing upon and contributing to a wide range of diverse disciplines.

The Institute aims to create a community of scholars, composed of outstanding researchers across the whole campus, who will contribute significantly to the intellectual life of the University. Of overriding concern in all Institute activities is excellence in research characterized by being fundamental, interdisciplinary, innovative and unique.

Institute News

The 2004 Early Career Scholars have been selected. This year's selection includes 13 assistant and 6 associate professors. [>]

The Institute celebrated its 10th Anniversary on May 11, 2004.

Faculty Associates in the News

Sunday, June 6, 2004
The Winnipeg Free Press talks with Barbara Arneil about the upcoming federal election. [>]

Saturday, June 5, 2004
Stephen Ward discusses the public's view on journalism with the Vancouver Sun. [>]

Saturday, June 5, 2004
James Brander, in an interview by the Vancouver Sun, comments on the Conservative plan to reduce personal income taxes. [>]

Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Brett Finlay talks to the Vancouver Sun about a BC-developed SARS vaccine. [>]

Wednesday, May 26, 2004
The Vancouver Sun interviews Karim Khan on a new study on the impact of physical exercise on elderly women's risk of falling. [>]

Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Pianist and UBC professor emeritus Robert Silverman was awarded an honourary degree by the University at congregation.

Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Dr. Brett Finlay gave a presentation at the annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the University. Finlay's talk focused on his work as Scientific Director of SAVI (SARS Accelerated Vaccine Initiative).