About Me
I am a third-year PhD candidate in mathematics at Tennessee. My research focuses on applying mathematical and statistical models to problems in biology, ecology, and public health. I have studied topics ranging from the relationship between giraffe behavior and hormone levels to agent-based modeling of the opioid epidemic and simulation-based analyses of pandemic readiness. I develop regression models, agent-based simulations, and geographic mapping tools to investigate complex systems and address questions with ecological, epidemiological, and clinical relevance. This work is highly interdisciplinary, involving collaborations with biologists, clinicians, and mathematicians across multiple institutions.
In addition to my academic research, I have extensive professional experience in education. I have worked with students across diverse backgrounds, developing and delivering engaging instructional materials that bridge complex scientific concepts with accessible learning strategies. My experience includes leading discussions, mentoring undergraduates in research, and collaborating on interdisciplinary projects that emphasize both critical thinking and practical application. Through these roles, I have cultivated strong communication skills and a deep commitment to fostering curiosity, supporting student success, and making science approachable and relevant.
I plan to pursue a career in academia or the biotech industry after completing my PhD in May 2028, with a focus on bio-preparedness. I’m driven by the goal of making a direct impact on improving public health outcomes.
Research
Currently, I am working on the application of mathematical and statistical modeling to biological and public health systems. My projects have included investigating the relationship between giraffe behavior and fecal testosterone levels using regression modeling, hypothesis testing, and model selection criteria, as well as studying population health surveillance strategies for pandemic readiness through simulation of spatial and aspatial scenarios. In addition, I have developed agent-based social network models to understand the dynamics of the prescription opioid epidemic, explored the role of network interactions in opioid misuse through summer research at NIMBioS, and examined bacterial cytoskeletal dynamics in E. coli. Across these studies, I employ a range of modeling approaches, including regression models, agent-based simulations, and geographic mapping tools in R, to capture the complexity of biological and social systems. These methods not only provide insights into applied mathematical questions, such as model selection and predictive accuracy, but also contribute to addressing challenges in ecology, epidemiology, and public health.
Publications
Graduate Work
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[2025] Leigh B. Pearcy, Owen Queen, Vincent Jodoin, Suzanne Lenhart, W. Christopher Strickland. "Construction and Data-driven Analysis of a Stochastic, Individual-based Opioid Epidemiology Network Model." Under Review at Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications.
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[2022] Owen Queen, Vincent Jodoin, Leigh B. Pearcy, W. Christopher Strickland. "Agent-based Dynamics of a SPAHR Opioid Model on Social Network Structures." arXiv:2202.12261 [physics.soc-ph]. https://arxiv.org/abs/2202.12261.
Undergraduate Work
Teaching
| Course | Title | Term | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math 152 | Calculus for the Life Sciences II | Fall 2025 | Instructor of Record |
| Math 151 | Calculus for the Life Sciences I | Spring 2025 | Instructor of Record |
| Math 125 | Basic Calculus | Fall 2024 | Instructor of Record |
| Math 125 | Basic Calculus | Spring 2024 | Instructor of Record |
| Math 119 | College Algebra | Fall 2023 | Teaching Assistant |