“Seeing maths as a powerful toolbox” key to PhD student’s success

A PhD student who was part of the Griffiths Medal winning team for mathematical modelling work carried out during the pandemic is graduating as part of the Class of 2024.

Joshua Moore will receive his PhD in Mathematics after successfully defending his thesis on the use of mathematical tools for analysis and modelling cellular dynamics to understand cancer progression.

Now a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Mathematical Institute at Oxford University, Joshua is building upon the work he started in Cardiff, working closely with clinicians, experimentalists and theorists to ensure his research combats cancer from detection through to treatment.

Joshua, who also studied his undergraduate degree in Cardiff University, traces his research interests back to a second year module led by his PhD supervisor and mentor Dr Thomas Woolley.

“I started my BSc in Mathematics at Cardiff in 2016, not really knowing what studying mathematics meant but over the first year I became enamoured with the field entirely,” he remembers.

“Following my BSc, I continued at Cardiff to study for a PhD in Mathematics with Thomas and Trevor Dale. The academic and personal training I received over the three and half years was paramount to obtaining my current role and aspirations.

“Learning to think, write and present like a scientist and mathematician simultaneously, truly made me appreciate the bigger picture of my research.”

During his doctoral studies, Joshua was selected as a finalist for the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications Lighthill-Thwaites prize and invited to present at a national conference within the first nine months of starting his PhD.

His studies also coincided with the pandemic, which though difficult, saw him work with the Welsh Government on COVID-19 modelling, providing evidence and discussing mathematics with Welsh policymakers.

The work saw him, together with Dr Thomas Woolley and Professor Paul Harper awarded The Griffiths Medal, presented by The Operational Research Society.

Looking ahead Joshua plans to further develop his career in academia and has ambitions to start his own research group on spatial biology for cancer research.

He said: “Even during my short time in academia, I’ve witnessed that science is at its best when working within an enthusiastic, diverse and inclusive team, and that is what I want to promote within my group.

“There is still a long road ahead, but I’m guided by wonderful mentors and I’m enjoying every step.”