Maria Abou Chakra
About
Maria Abou Chakra is a Senior Research Associate at the University of Toronto. She specializes in theoretical biology, developing mathematical and computational models. Currently, she is developing a digital cell model to predict in vitro cell development (how cells diversify and make fate decisions. Her expertise encompasses evolutionary biology, evolutionary game theory, theoretical morphology, and cell development. She has developed models to predict sea urchin skeleton growth, social behaviours in climate change negotiations, and host-parasite interactions. Maria is also dedicated to building community connections. In 2020, she established the Modelling Cell Development and Regeneration Group. She also initiated the Bridging Theory and Experiments (BriTE) series to bridge the discussion between fields. Recently, she co-founded the Integrative Multiscale Open Biology Community (IMOBIO), which connects international and local virtual and digital twins groups to promote collaboration and Innovation.