Dr Michael Meehan ~ Research Fellow, Infectious Diseases Modelling and Epidemiology

I am currently a mathematician working within the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) at James Cook University (JCU) modelling the spread of infectious diseases. Prior to my appointment at AITHM, I received my PhD from the School of Engineering at JCU. My doctoral research in theoretical astrophysics and cosmology focused on the outstanding problem of the nature of dark matter and dark energy and their density in alternative cosmological models.

Recently I have moved into mathematical biology and epidemiology and my research now focusses on the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of multi-strain (e.g. drug-resistant) systems. Combining analytical and numerical methods, I am trying to determine not only the underlying dynamics driving the emergence and diversification of drug-resistant pathogen strains and the competition between them, but equally to identify the most effective and economical intervention strategies.

Interests

Research

• Mathematical Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
• Mathematical Biology
• Mathematical Ecology
• Cosmology

Experience

• 2018 to present - Research Fellow, AITHM, James Cook University (Townsville)
• 2016 to 2017 - Postdoctoral Research Fellow, AITHM, James Cook University (Townsville)
• 2015 - Associate Lecturer, James Cook University (Townsville)
• 2013 to 2015 - Casual Lecturer, James Cook University (Townsville)

Research Disciplines

• Applied Mathematics (0102)
• Astronomical and Space Sciences (0201)
• Clinical Sciences (1103)

Socio-Economic Objectives

• Expanding Knowledge (9701)
• Clinical Health (9201)
• Health and Support Services (9202)

These are the most recent publications associated with this author. To see a detailed profile of all publications stored at JCU, visit ResearchOnline@JCU. Hover over Altmetrics badges to see social impact.

Journal Articles

• Meehan M, Cocks D, Trauer J and McBryde E (2018) Coupled, multi-strain epidemic models of mutating pathogens. Mathematical Biosciences, 296. pp. 82-92
• McBryde E, Meehan M, Doan T, Ragonnet R, Marais B, Guernier V and Trauer J (2017) The risk of global epidemic replacement with drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 56. pp. 14-20
• Ragonnet R, Trauer J, Scott N, Meehan M and McBryde E (2017) Optimally capturing latency dynamics in models of tuberculosis transmission. Epidemics, 21. pp. 39-47
• Meehan M and Whittingham I (2015) Dark matter relic density in scalar-tensor gravity revisited . Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, 2015 (12). pp. 1-28
• Meehan M and Whittingham I (2014) Dark matter relic density in Gauss-Bonnet braneworld cosmology. Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, 2014 (12). pp. 1-18
• Meehan M and Whittingham I (2014) Asymmetric dark matter in braneworld cosmology. Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, 2014 (6). pp. 1-18
• Mills J, Irwin P, Baguley J, Meehan M, Austin H, Fitzpatrick L, Parry B and Heath T (2006) Development of Veterinary Communication Skills at Murdoch University and in Other Australian Veterinary Schools. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 33 (1). pp. 93-99

These Higher Degree Research projects are either current or by students who have completed their studies within the past 5 years at JCU. Linked titles show theses available within ResearchOnline@JCU.

Current

• Using mathematical models to develop TB control strategies in Bangladesh (PhD , Secondary Advisor)