Embedded Files
Spring 2026
Spring 2026
Date/time: Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 at 12:00-1:00pm ET
Speaker: Chris Rackauckas (JuliaHub, Pumas-AI, MIT)
Title: The Bitter Lesson for the Bitter Lesson: The Role of Human Engineers in the Age of AI
Abstract: With the ever increasing role of AI it is pertinent to ask the question: what will be the role of engineers and domain experts? In this talk we outline two approaches that incorporate the expertise of engineers into the latest techniques of AI and machine learning. First we showcase scientific machine learning, in particular universal differential equations, where machine learning architectures are mixed with traditional simulation techniques in order to discover higher order physical corrections and generate hypotheses for previously unknown governing laws. Then we dive into growing techniques for agentic AI in modeling and simulation, highlighting the recent empirical results around the tools and techniques which lead to improved accuracy of code generation in the context of nonlinear controls synthesis and analysis. Building on these results, we showcase the new Dyad platform for agentic AI which combines a new statically-analyzable acausal equation-based DAE modeling system with built-in scientific machine learning capabilities and demonstrate the real-world applications this is seeing in industrial applications from aerospace and automotive all the way to chemical process modeling and pharmacometrics. This talk will span the details from low level mathematical theorems to high level software demonstrations in applications, highlighting the elements of the new stack which have successfully translated into practice but also the areas which need further academic work to complete the transition.
Bio: Dr. Chris Rackauckas is the VP of Modeling and Simulation at JuliaHub, the Director of Scientific Research at Pumas-AI, Co-PI of the Julia Lab at MIT, and the lead developer of the SciML Open Source Software Organization. For his work in mechanistic machine learning, his work is credited for the 15,000x acceleration of NASA Launch Services simulations and recently demonstrated a 60x-570x acceleration over Modelica tools in HVAC simulation, earning Chris the US Air Force Artificial Intelligence Accelerator Scientific Excellence Award. See more at https://chrisrackauckas.com/. He was the original architect of Pumas and has received an award at every ACoP from 2019-2021 for improving methods for uncertainty quantification, automated GPU acceleration of nonlinear mixed effects modeling (NLME), and machine learning assisted construction of NLME models with DeepNLME. For these achievements, Chris received the Emerging Scientist award from ISoP, the highest early career award in pharmacometrics.
Date/time: Tuesday, March 24th, 2026 at 12:00-1:00pm ET
Speaker: Blerta Shtylla (Sr. Director, Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Group Lead, Pfizer)
Title: Current progress and future opportunities for innovation for Quantitative Systems Pharmacology modeling
Abstract: Quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) is growing area of multi-scale mechanism- based modeling which couples drug pharmacokinetics with mathematical modeling of biological processes implicated in diseases. QSP models seek to address a diverse set of problems in the discovery and development of therapies and are being leveraged with growing success in both pharmaceutical companies and academic settings. Virtual populations are an important tool for sampling uncertainty and potential variability in QSP model predictions, but many clinical efficacy endpoints can be difficult to capture with QSP models that typically rely on mechanistic biomarkers. In this talk, I will give an overview of key components of quantitative systems pharmacology and its use in pharma with specific considerations to design and simulation of virtual trials with applications in several modalities and key clinical endpoints in oncology.
Blerta Shtylla, PhD is Senior Director at Pfizer. She serves as group lead for the Quantitative Systems Pharmacology team supporting the oncology portfolio within the Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology department. Prior to Pfizer, Dr. Shtylla held multiple academic appointments, the most recent being Associate Professor of Mathematics. Her academic research focused on development and analysis of mathematical models applied to cancer therapies, autoimmune disease, bio-mechanical circuits involved in cell division, as well as control mechanisms involved in early development/morphogenesis. Her areas of expertise also include development of mathematical techniques for model uncertainty quantification and data assimilation applied to differential equation models. She is author of several publications in quantitative systems pharmacology, mathematical biology, as well as editor of two books on mathematical modeling of complex biological processes.
Date/time: Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 at 12:00-1:00pm ET
Speaker: Reinhard Laubenbacher (SMB President, Laboratory for Systems Medicine, University of Florida)
Title: Mathematical biology in the age of AI and Big Data
Abstract: Mathematical biology and mechanistic mathematical modeling have a long and successful history in the life sciences, and in medicine in particular. But these days it can seem sometimes that all anybody talks about is AI and Big Data. What does the future hold for "traditional" mathematical modeling in this environment? In this webinar, I will examine this question and propose some answers.
Fall 2025
Fall 2025
Date/time: Tuesday, November 11th, 2025 at 12:00-1:00pm ET
Speaker: Ashlee N. Ford Versypt (Professor, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York)
Title: Systems Biomedicine and Pharmaceutics: The Pharmacometrics Career Paths of Five Lab Trainees
Abstract: Dr. Ford Versypt leads the Systems Biomedicine and Pharmaceutics Laboratory, which develops and uses multiscale systems engineering approaches including mathematical modeling and computational simulation to enhance understanding of the mechanisms governing tissue remodeling and damage as a result of diseases and infections and to simulate the treatment of those conditions to improve human health. The lab specializes in (a) modeling mass transport of biochemicals through heterogeneous porous materials that change morphology dynamically due to the influence of chemical reactions and (b) modeling dynamic, multi-species biological systems involving chemical, physical, and biological interactions of diverse, heterogeneous cell populations with these materials and the chemical species in tissue microenvironments. In the lab’s 11+ years, four of six PhD graduates have gone into the pharmaceutical industry after training in her lab. Additionally, a former postdoc from her lab is an instructor in a Quantitative Systems Pharmacology masters program. This seminar will focus on the vignettes of research from the lab highlighting the projects and professional development experiences of these five trainees who are now practicing pharmacometrics in their jobs after their time in this academic lab. Applications will include COVID infection, nutritional supplements to improve bone health, controlled release drug delivery to improve retinal disorders, and kidney pathophysiology with effects of hyperglycemia, inflammation, and fibrosis.
Dr. Ford Versypt earned a B.S. from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois, all in Chemical Engineering. She earned an undergraduate minor in mathematics and an interdisciplinary graduate certificate in computational science and engineering as a DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellow. Her PhD work focused on modeling controlled drug release from degradable polymeric microspheres. She did her postdoc at MIT, focused on pharmaceutical manufacturing and renal physiology. She started her academic career at Oklahoma State University in 2014 before joining the University at Buffalo (UB), The State University of New York as a tenured associate professor in 2021. She was promoted to full professor in 2025. In addition to her primary appointment in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, she is affiliated faculty in UB’s Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Education, Honors College, and Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. Her research program has been supported by an NSF CAREER award, NIH R35 MIRA, R01, U01, and R21 grants, and others.
Date/time: Tuesday, October 14th, 2025 at 12:00-1:00pm ET
Speaker: Anna Gaffney (Scientist - Pharmacometrics, Certara)
Title: What is Pharmacometrics? A brief overview of the methodology and experiences of an early career consultant
Abstract: Pharmacometrics is an exciting field that is well suited for the skillset of a mathematical biologist. However, what does it look like to be a pharmacometrician? In this talk, I will give a broad overview of the tools used in pharmacometrics, including nonlinear mixed effects modeling, exposure-response analysis, and simulations. A few concrete examples will be discussed to demonstrate the challenges and complexities that arise when working with clinical data. I will also share my career journey and transition to pharmaceutical consulting, highlighting the importance of good mentorship and networking through professional communities such as the Society for Mathematical Biology.
Anna Gaffney, PhD, is a scientist in the pharmacometrics division at Certara. After earning her PhD from the University of Utah in Mathematical Biology, she completed a postdoc at Moffitt Cancer Center where she developed mechanistic mathematical models to study the role of the tumor microenvironment in the evolution of cancer. For the past three years, Dr. Gaffney has worked at her current role as a pharmacometrician, where she uses tools such as population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models, exposure-response analysis, and simulations to help clients make decisions during the drug development process. Dr. Gaffney is committed to helping junior scientists navigate their own career path by sharing her experiences, serving as a mentor at the American Conference of Pharmacometrics, and participating in the Pharmacometrics Subgroup of the Society for Mathematical Biology.
Date/time: Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 at 12:00-1:00pm ET
Speaker: Malidi Ahamadi (Head of Modeling & Simulation, Sanofi)
Title: Model-Informed Drug Development: Scientific Frontiers and Career Pathways in Pharmacometrics
Abstract: Model-Informed Drug Development (MIDD) has become a cornerstone of modern drug development, enabling more efficient and scientifically rigorous decision-making across discovery, development, and regulatory interactions. In this talk, I will highlight recent advances in MIDD, including applications in oncology, neuroscience, and emerging AI/ML approaches, as well as the global harmonization efforts reflected in the ICH M15 draft guidance. Alongside the scientific content, I will share insights from my own career journey—beginning in applied mathematics and progressing through academia, regulatory collaborations, and leadership in industry—to illustrate the diverse pathways available to early-career scientists in pharmacometrics. Emphasis will be placed on developing core skills, building interdisciplinary collaborations, and engaging with professional societies to grow as both scientists and leaders. The session will conclude with practical advice for navigating a career in pharmacometrics and a discussion of future opportunities for the field.
Malidi Ahamadi, PhD, is Head of Modeling & Simulation within Quantitative Pharmacology at Sanofi, where he oversees global M&S strategies spanning early development to lifecycle management. He has over 20 years of experience in quantitative sciences, with a career that bridges applied mathematics, academia, and pharmaceutical drug development. Dr. Ahamadi has played a leading role in advancing Model-Informed Drug Development (MIDD) initiatives, serving as Deputy Topic Lead and co-author of the recent ICH M15 draft guidance on general principles for MIDD. He has contributed extensively to regulatory and industry collaborations, including the FDA MIDD Paired Meeting Program, the Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative, and the Critical Path Institute’s Parkinson’s disease consortium. Beyond his scientific and regulatory leadership, Dr. Ahamadi is deeply committed to mentoring junior scientists and fostering interdisciplinary connections, serving on the Mathematical and Computational Sciences SIG Steering Committee and active member of Pharmacometrics Subgroup of the Society for Mathematical Biology.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse