WK 19 - Think Like a Modeler: A Tutorial on Building Dynamic Ecological Models for Early-career Ecologists

Session Description: This session seeks to introduce mathematical models to early career ecologists, especially those from historically excluded groups and those with limited modeling resources at their institutions. The session will open with a tutorial on developing mathematical models for ecology, beginning with an observed ecological interaction and ending with a system of equations. During the tutorial, we will provide examples of different mathematical approaches and how they are matched to ecological questions. Then, workshop participants will form small groups to practice designing their own ecological models by (1) identifying a focal question/study system, (2) distilling their focal system into a model diagram, and (3) translating this diagram into verbal (and mathematical) equations and pseudo-code. Small groups will include one or more “experienced” modelers (e.g., ecological modeler from the Theoretical Ecology section or similar) to serve as the group’s mentor. Finally, participants will return to a workshop-wide discussion of the resources available to further their modeling work. Additionally, participants will receive a resource guide (including peer-reviewed papers, lists of modeling workshops and math biology centers, and contact information for workshop leadership) to help them navigate mathematical models on their own time.