Queensland University of Technology mathematician Dr Kerrie Mengersen and her team are helping scientists explore the habitats of endangered species. They are using complex mathematical modelling to develop virtual reality platforms from data collected during fieldwork. This then allows conservation scientists to “walk around” the virtual habitats wearing 3-d “Avatar” style goggles, examining key features of the terrain without having to walk through it in the real world.
They have successfully trialled the mathematical modelling and technology on the habitats of endangered brush-tailed rock wallabies in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, building up “a predictive model into a virtual reality environment” and using it to pinpoint and study the creatures’ habitats exists across broad geographical areas.
Doctor Mengersen’s focus in mathematics is on “using and developing new statistical and computational methods that can help to solve complex problems in the real world… in the fields of environment, genetics, health and medicine, and industry.” She has executed research in area including Bayesian statistics, hierarchical modelling and complex systems. The aim of much of her work is on assisting other scientific experts in making the best use of their data to help them make better decisions.
Read the full story about Dr Mengelsen and the QUT School of Mathematical Science’s exciting work here
Find out more about Dr Kerrie Mengelsen and the Bayesian Research and Applications Group at: https://bragqut.wordpress.com/mengersen/
