My research interests lie in mathematical modelling and machine learning, with a focus on their application to cardiovascular sciences and other areas of biology.
My current work concerns the development of software to improve efficiency and robustness in synthetic biology.
Some of my previous work focused on mathematical models of cardiac ion channels. Particularly in their optimisation. I have developed an open-source parameter optimisation benchmarking framework (link) to compare the efficiency of different parameter optimisation approaches. Another project I worked on concerned the use of bifurcation analysis and continuation methods for parameter inference.
My PhD research consisted of analysis and construction of mathematical models for blood clotting (chemical kinetic ODE models). This included exploratory analysis (sensitivity analysis, timescale analysis, and comparison to patient data; Owen et al. 2024), statistical analysis (functional data analysis) and concluded in the construction of a new model which made use of parameter inference methods (ABC-SMC, gradient descent, and genetic algorithms; manuscript in preparation). This work was funded under an MRC IMPACT DTP Studentship award.
Prior to commencing my MSc (summer of 2018), I was given the opportunity to work on a project to optimise a paediatric cardiovascular surgical procedure called the Fontan procedure. This work consisted of using ANSYS Fluent (Computational Fluid Dynamics software), coupled with original C code, to simulate and compare various plausible blood vessel configurations. I continued this work through my MSc year, culminating in a publication in May 2019 (Corno et al. 2019).
Post-doctoral research association on the grant “EEBio: Efficient Engineering and Control of Predictable and Reliable Biosystems” (Line Manager: Thomas Gorochowski)
Post-doctoral research associate on the grant “(Developing cardiac electrophysiology models for drug safety studies)[https://grantnav.threesixtygiving.org/grant/360G-Wellcome-212203_Z_18_Z#]” (Line Manager: Gary Mirams).
Modules: Modelling with Differential Equations (2 years), Advanced Mathematical Modelling for Process Engineers (2 years), Probability Models and Methods (1 year), Mathematical Medicine and Biology (1 semester).
Modules: Linear Algebra II, Probability, Introductory Statistics (2 classes per module, 1 semester each).
MRC funded project, supervised by: John King and Etienne Farcot from the University of Nottingham; Alison Goodall and Joy Wright from the University of Leicester; and Joanne Dunster from the University of Reading.
Matt J. Owen, Joy R. Wright, Edward G. D. Tuddenham, John R. King, Alison H. Goodall, Joanne L. Dunster ‘Mathematical models of coagulation – are we there yet?’ (2024) Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis 22:6. Link.
Andrea Cangiani, Antonio F. Corno, Edward J. C. Hall, Paul Houston, Matt J Owen, Aldo Rona ‘CFD study of physiological Fontan circulation’ (2020) VPH2020. Conference Article, Link.
Antonio F. Corno, Matt J. Owen, Andrea Cangiani, Edward J. C. Hall, Aldo Rona ‘Physiological Fontan procedure’ (2019) Frontiers in Pediatrics 7:196. Link.
Matt J. Owen, Gary R. Mirams ‘ionBench: benchmarking optimsation for ion channel models.’ Poster presented at the Fickle Heart: The intersection of UQ, AI and Digital Twins workshop.
Matt J. Owen, Joy Wright, Alison Goodall, Edward G. D. Tuddenham, John King, Joanne Dunster ‘Mathematical models of thrombin generation: a unified approach.’ Poster presented at the BSHT Annual Scientific Meeting 2023.
Matt J. Owen, Joanne Dunster, Alison Goodall, Joy Wright, John King ‘The strengths and weaknesses of mathematical models of thrombin generation.’ Remote poster talk presented at the BSHT Virtual Scientific Meeting 2021.
Matt J. Owen, Gary R. Mirams ‘IonBench: a benchmark of optimisation strategies for mathematical models of ion channel currents’ (2025) Link.
Matt J. Owen, Gary R. Mirams ‘Continuation methods as a tool for parameter inference in electrophysiology modeling’ (2025) Link.
During my time working at the University of Leicester, running surgery and feedback sessions, I also represented the School of Mathematics on open days and applicant days. This work comprised giving tours of the campus, offering guidance on the application process, and explaining the courses and modules offered by the University.
