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Mariel Vazquez

Mariel Vazquez

Professor of Mathematics, Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

Mathematical Sciences Building (MSB) 2150

My research lies at the interface of mathematics, polymer physics, and molecular biology. I specialize in the application of topological tools to study DNA.

My work is currently focused on two lines of inquiry:

  • DNA Topology: the mechanism of site-specific recombination, topoisomerase action, and the packing of chromosomes in human cells and viral capsids; using mathematical tools including know theory, low-dimensional topology, and Monte Carlo simulations.
  • Chromosomal Aberrations and Cancer: analysis of cancer genomic data and mechanisms of repair pathways; using biophysical models, graph theory, and topological data analysis.