Mrs Maryam Alka BSc MSc MSc

Mrs Maryma Alka

School of Mathematics
PhD Student

Contact details

Address
School of Mathematics
Watson Building
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT
UK

Maryam Alka is a PhD student in Applied Mathematics at the University of Birmingham. With over a decade experience in industry, she returned to academia to pursue her passion for research. Her PhD focuses on mathematical modelling of tumour dynamics, investigating the effects of chemotherapy under hypoxic conditions. Maryam combines theoretical modelling with experimental validation to advance understanding of cancer treatment efficacy in challenging microenvironments.

Qualifications

  • MSc in Pure Mathematics, African University of Science and Technology, Nigeria, 2021
  • MSc in Information Technology, National Open University of Nigeria, 2016
  • BSc in Mathematics, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria, 2007

Biography

Maryam worked for 12 years in industry, holding leadership roles in planning, research, and project management. Notably, she managed a research library and contributed to national reporting efforts during her tenure at the Federal Inland Revenue Service. Returning to academia, she completed her MSc before pursuing her PhD, where she integrates her professional experience with academic research.

Doctoral research

PhD title
Mathematical modelling of tumour dynamics in hypoxic environments: Investigating the synergistic effects of paclitaxel and cobalt chloride
Supervisor
Professor Fabian Spill

Research

Research themes

  • Cancer dynamics and drug synergy
  • Tumour microenvironment and hypoxia
  • Bayesian inference and mathematical modelling
  • Cloud-based healthcare solutions

Research activity

Maryam’s current research investigates tumour dynamics in hypoxic environments, focusing on the interaction of chemotherapy drugs with the tumour microenvironment. Her work uses mathematical modelling and experimental validation to understand treatment efficacy and inform better cancer therapy strategies. She is also part of an ongoing initiative to develop a cloud-based radiotherapy treatment planning system for sub-Saharan Africa.