D. Brisson

Modeling Tick Populations: An Ecological Test Case forGradient Boosted Trees

This study compares gradient boosted trees and linear models in predicting blacklegged tick populations using environmental data, finding gradient boosted models more accurate and capable of capturing non-linear relationships.

Host phenology can select for multiple stable parasite virulence strategies

The paper presents a mathematical model showing host phenology can support multiple stable parasite virulence strategies, but not all seasonal patterns allow coexistence of these strategies.

Host phenology regulates ecological and eco-evolutionary feedbacks underlying parasite-host demographic cycles

The paper models how host phenology affects parasite-host population dynamics and shows that only specific phenological patterns allow parasites to drive population cycles and influence eco-evolutionary feedbacks.

Host phenology can drive the evolution of intermediate virulence strategies in some obligate-killer parasites

This paper develops a mathematical model showing that host phenology can drive the evolution of intermediate virulence in obligate-killer parasites without assuming traditional transmission-virulence trade-offs.

The role of host phenology for parasite transmission

This study uses a mathematical model to show how tick phenology affects B. burgdorferi transmission, finding that timing of nymphal and larval activity influences parasite fitness and potential eradication.

Dispersal patterns of Trypanosoma cruzi in Arequipa, Peru

The paper uses population genomic analysis of Trypanosoma cruzi isolates in Arequipa to show that dispersal occurs within blocks but not between blocks, suggesting domestic animal movement as a key dispersal mechanism.

Immigration and establishment of urban Trypanosoma cruzi populations

The paper investigates the immigration and establishment of Trypanosoma cruzi in Arequipa, Peru, finding that a single recent immigrant founded the local population.

Negative frequency-dependent selection is frequently confounding

This paper reviews negative frequency-dependent selection, clarifying its role in maintaining genetic diversity and discussing methods to identify it in natural populations.