Dr. Bruce Pell is a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Lawrence Technological University. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Arizona State University and his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Oakland University. Prior to joining LTU in 2019, he served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at St. Olaf College.

Dr. Pell’s research focuses on mathematical biology and data-driven modeling of complex biological systems. He develops and analyzes systems of ordinary, partial, and delay differential equations to study phenomena in ecology, epidemiology, and immunology. His work includes modeling within-host viral dynamics, immune response, and plant virus interactions under varying environmental conditions, as well as research connected to metabolic theory of ecology and thermal performance curves.

He is actively engaged in externally funded research supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, and collaborates across disciplines to connect mathematical modeling with real-world scientific and public health applications. He teaches courses in linear algebra, differential equations, advanced calculus, and mathematical biology, and mentors students through research experiences that connect theoretical concepts with real-world problem solving.

» Education

• Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Arizona State University
• B.S. in Mathematics, Oakland University

» Courses and Advising

• MCS 2433: Linear Algebra
• MCS 2213: Mathematics of Biology
• MCS 2423: Differential Equations
• MCS 3723: Advanced Calculus
• MCS 3733: Partial Differential Equations

» Research Interests

• Mathematical biology and quantitative life sciences
• Differential equation modeling (ordinary, partial, and delay systems)
• Data-driven modeling of biological systems
• Infectious disease dynamics and immunological modeling
• Ecological modeling, including metabolic theory and thermal performance

» Selected Publications

• Pell, B., Kalizhanova, A., Tursynkozha, A., Dengi, D., Kashkynbayev, A., Kuang, Y. Dynamic PD-L1 regulation shapes tumor immune escape and response to immunotherapy. Cancers. 2025; 17:3803.
•  Pell, B., Brozak, S., Phan, T., et al. The emergence of a virus variant: dynamics of a competition model with cross-immunity time-delay validated by wastewater surveillance data for COVID-19. Journal of Mathematical Biology. 2023; 86:63.
•  Pell, B., Johnston, M. D., Nelson, P. A data-validated temporary immunity model of COVID-19 spread in Michigan. Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering. 2022; 19(10):10122–10142.
•   Pell, B., Kendig, A. E., Borer, E. T., Kuang, Y. Modeling nutrient and disease dynamics in a plant-pathogen system. Mathematical Biosciences and Engineering. 2018; 16(1):234–264.