2006 Student Presentations

Michael Darling
"Why PAM Works: an in-depth look at scoring matrices and algorithms "
Abstract: We all know that PAM matrices and scoring matrices are used in pairwise sequence alignment; but do we know why they work? This talk will focus on the mathematics behind the many PAM matrices; the log odds matrices; and how they are used in scoring algorithms.

Sara Reynolds
"Evolutionary relationships: a mathematical concept?"
Abstract: This presentation will explore the mathematics behind determining the evolutionary relationships amongst DNA sequences. We will then discuss how the resulting data is used in the formation and evaluation of phylogenetic trees.