Susanne Schindler

I am pursuing an PhD in theoretical biology. My background lies in mathematics with specialization in genetic algorithms. I am working on understanding the complex behaviour of evolution in both ways using modeling and computing techniques. Among others the main aims are to find a model of speciation and unifying genetic algorithms with stochastic processes including spatial structured populations.

Against the belief of speciation taking place only under reproductive isolation induced by geographical borders there are now forming theories about parapatric and sympatric speciation, that means with only partwise or without any geographical isolation. The interest lies on identifying the mechanisms of speciation since reproductive isolation can be a cause of, as well as being caused by speciation under geographical isolation. My research ties in with the work about adaptive speciation of Dieckmann and Doebeli.