Jupiter Algorta

Department of Mathematics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2
jupitera@math.ubc.ca  ·  jupiteralgorta.gitlab.io  ·  gitlab.com/jupiteralgorta  ·  Google Scholar

Research Interests

Mathematical and computational modelling of single-cell behaviour; cell polarization and migration; Cellular Potts Models; finite element methods for bulk-surface PDEs; reaction-diffusion systems; optogenetics and signal transduction.

Education

Ph.D. in Mathematical Biology 2025 – Present
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
Advisors: Dr. Leah Edelstein-Keshet & Dr. Anotida Madzvamuse
Research: Investigating the role of cell deformation in PDE kinematics using Cellular Potts Modelling (CPM) and finite element methods (FEM).
M.Sc. in Mathematics 2023 – 2025
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
Thesis: "How do cells decide where to go?"
Advisor: Dr. Leah Edelstein-Keshet
Research: Developed mathematical models and spatial simulation frameworks for directed cell migration and local negative feedback pathways.
B.Sc. in Mathematics 2019 – 2023
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC

Publications

Algorta, J., Town, J. P., Weiner, O. D., & Edelstein-Keshet, L. (2026). Investigating Local Negative Feedback of Rac Activity by Mathematical Models and Cell Motility Simulations. iScience, 29(1), 107936. [1st Place, OpenVT Competition 2026]

Hughes, J. M., Algorta, J., & Edelstein-Keshet, L. (2026). How negative feedback from filamentous actin affects cell shapes and motility. arXiv:2602.08779 [physics.bio-ph]. (Preprint)

Algorta, J., Fele-Paranj, A., Hughes, J. M., & Edelstein-Keshet, L. (2025). Modeling and Simulating Single and Collective Cell Motility. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, 17(12), a041796.

Algorta, J. (2025). How do cells decide where to go? M.Sc. Thesis, Department of Mathematics, University of British Columbia.

Talks & Presentations

A Data-Driven Model of Polarity Reversal in Migrating Cells. Workshop Talk. BIRS Workshop on Mechanobiochemical Models for Cell Migration, Banff International Research Station, Banff AB, Canada. May 2026
How to Model in Morpheus. Tutorial. The OpenVT Workshop 2025, Edmonton AB, Canada. Jul 2025
Simulating Cell Decisions and Embryo Structure with Morpheus. Conference Talk. Society for Mathematical Biology Annual Meeting, Edmonton AB, Canada. Jul 2025
Investigating Local Negative Feedback of Rac Activity by Mathematical Models and Cell Motility Simulations. Conference Talk. Society for Mathematical Biology Annual Meeting, Edmonton AB, Canada. Jul 2025
Modelling Optogenetic Control of Cellular Motility and Exploring Exotic Behaviours. Conference Poster. Directed Cell Migration Gordon Research Conference, Lucca, Italy. Jan 2025
Exploring Cellular Polarization and Motility Through Bulk-Surface Dynamics. Meeting Talk. Canadian Mathematics Society Winter Meeting, Richmond BC, Canada. Nov 2024
Modelling Optogenetic Control of Cellular Motility. Meeting Talk. SIAM Life Sciences Meeting, Portland OR, USA. Apr 2024

Teaching Experience

MATH 101: Integral Calculus — Small Class Instructor Jan–Apr 2026
University of British Columbia
4 sections, ~144 students
Format: Active learning style blending concise lectures with collaborative group worksheets.
MATH 180: Differential Calculus — Small Class Instructor Sept–Dec 2025
University of British Columbia
2 sections, ~56 students
Format: Active learning style blending concise lectures with collaborative group worksheets.
MATH 110: Differential Calculus — Tutorial Instructor Sept 2024–Apr 2025
University of British Columbia
3 sections, ~31 students
Format: Year-long course tutorials reviewing lecture content alongside guided problem-solving.

Academic Service

Organizer, UBC Mathematical Biology Seminar Series Sept 2024 – Present
University of British Columbia
Weekly seminar series in mathematical biology; organized day-long events featuring keynote speakers.

Software & Tools

Morpheus (Cellular Potts Modelling), FEniCSx (finite element methods), Gmsh, Python, MATLAB.