Department of Mathematics and Philosophy
Amy Ekanayake, Professor
Dr. Ekanayake earned her Ph.D. in Mathematics from Texas Tech University in 2009. Her research focuses on biomathematics, mathematical modeling, stochastic modeling, and statistical learning.
Education
Ph.D., Texas Tech University (Applied Mathematics)
M.S., Texas Tech University (Mathematics)
B.S., Asbury University (Applied Mathematics)
Contact Information
Office: Morgan Hall 443
Email:
AJ-Ekanayake@wiu.edu
Selected Courses Taught
Math 101 - Concepts of Mathematics
Math 133 - Calculus with Analytical Geometry I
Math 137 - Applied Calculus I
Stat 171 - General Elementary Statistics
Math 231 - Calculus with Analytical Geometry III
Stat 276 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Math 383 - Introduction to Mathematical Modeling
Math 391 - Writing in the Mathematical Sciences
Stat 471/G - Introduction to Mathematical Statistics I
Math 483/G - Biomathematics
Math 599 - Clinical Trials
Research Interests
My research interests are primarily in biomathematics and statistical modeling.
Research with graduate students: I am interested in working with students pursuing applied and interdisciplinary mathematics. My specific interests lie in modeling and computational analysis for biological systems, such as birth-and-death processes, epidemics, genetics, predator-prey and competition relationships, pharmacokinetics, and cellular and additional medical topics, among others.
Research with undergraduate students: I welcome those interested in modeling real-world phenomena. We would consider all stages of the modeling process: determining the most appropriate model, forming the model by determining appropriate assumptions, analytically studying the model's behavior, and using software (such as MATLAB, Python) to find numerical solutions. Finally, students would write a report explaining the model and analysis and its implications for the real-world phenomenon. This type of modeling experience would benefit those considering a career in industry or graduate studies in applied mathematics, and pre-service teachers wishing to be able to promote the practical applications of mathematics in their classrooms.
Selected Publications
- Ekanayake, D., La Croix, H., Ekanayake, A.J. (2024). Alternative stable states and disease induced extinction. Mathematical Modelling of Natural Phenomena, Volume 19, 18.
- Ekanayake, D.B., Ekanayake, A.J., Hunt J., Miller-Hunt, C.L. (2018). Modeling reproduction of whitetail deer and its applications. Journal of Theoretical Biology, Volume 459, 90-102.
- Ekanayake, A.J. (2016). Stochastic SIS metapopulation models for the spread of disease among species in a fragmented landscape. International Journal of Biomathematics, Volume 9, No. 4: 1650055.
- Ekanayake, A.J., Ekanayake, D.B. (2015). A seasonal SIR metapopulation model with an Allee effect with application to controlling plague in prairie dog colonies. Journal of Biological Dynamics, Volume 9, Issue Sup. 1, pp. 262-290.
- Ekanayake, A.J., & Allen, L.J.S. (2010). Comparison of Markov chain and stochastic differential population models under higher-order moment closure approximations. Stochastic Analysis and Applications, Volume 28, Issue 6, pp. 907-927.
- Ekanayake, A.J., Tsai, J.S., Allen, L.J.S., Smith, L.M., Surles, J.G., & Allen, E.J. (2009). Estimating watershed area for playas in the Southern High Plains, USA. Wetlands, Volume 29, Issue 1, Pages 387-395.
- Drew (Ekanayake), A.J., Allen, E.J., & Allen, L.J.S. (2006). Analysis of climatic and geographic factors affecting the presence of chytridiomycosis in Australia. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, Volume 68, Pages 245-250.
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