Integrated Mathematical Oncology, Ph.D. at University of South Florida

The Integrated Mathematical Oncology Major consists of focused training in mathematical modeling. Students will also receive interdisciplinary training in the broader field of cancer biology through coursework and immersion in the Moffitt Cancer Center’s research endeavors. Cancer patient and experimental data have been growing at an exponential rate during the last decade and now incorporates a range of biological scales (molecular, cellular, tissue, organ) and diverse techniques (gene expression, histological staining, imaging), however, these data are severely underutilized in current clinical decision processes. Appropriate quantitative models are essential to understand the complex dynamics of the evolving non-linear system that is cancer.

This Major will provide students a unique foundation of knowledge and practical experience in the rapidly advancing arena of mathematical oncology. Students will also train alongside individuals studying other areas of cancer biology, providing a broad base of understanding of cancer and increasing the potential for interdisciplinary research.  Graduates of this major will be positioned to enter the technological workforce ready to discover and implement quantitative models and model analysis in experimental and clinical areas that will have a key impact on cancer patient therapy.

The Major is a joint endeavor between the Moffitt Cancer Center and the University of South Florida. Moffitt Cancer Center is located on the campus of the University of South Florida and is a leading institution of basic research, clinical research, and patient treatment with a focused mission “to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.”  The Moffitt Cancer Center is officially designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health.