Dr Kevin Dawson

Staff Scientist

Since joining CASM, I have been developing Bayesian computation methods which address to statistical problems in somatic mutation, cancer and stem cell biology. These methods include approximate Byesian computation and predictive model checking.

My PhD and early research was on evolutionary processes in which statistical associations among genes (linkage disequilibria) play a decisive role. (For example, the evolution of mutation rates.) I also investigated the population genetic foundations of the classical infinitesimal model of quantitative genetics, and related models. My research interests then shifted towards statistical inference problems in population genetics, and developing Bayesian computation methods. I now apply these methods to statistical problems in somatic evolution, cancer and stem cell biology.