Kaan Öcal is interested in stochastic aspects of cellular processes, in particular trying to understand how randomness at a cellular scale can give rise to the life we observe around us. With a background in mathematics, he spent his PhD at the University of Edinburgh working on stochastic modelling of gene expression, particularly the Chemical Master Equation, and is currently interested in how gene expression shapes the behaviour of cells in populations. Besides his interest in applying a combination of mathematical and physical techniques to understand single-cell phenomena, he has experience in numerical simulation and Bayesian inference of stochastic models in neuroscience and cell biology.

In his free time, Kaan enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping and kayaking, or sitting down with a good book and even better music. He occasionally comments very favourably upon Melbourne’s outstanding food scene.