Yuval Bloch

I’m Yuval Bloch, a computational ecologist and M.Sc. student in the Department of Life Sciences at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, working in the Ecological Complexity Lab under the supervision of Dr. Shai Pilosoph.

My research focuses on applying computational tools to understand and model complex ecological systems. With a background in computer science and a strong interest in ecological theory, I integrate approaches from machine learning, network science, and spatial modeling to explore biodiversity, disease dynamics, and ecosystem resilience.

Research Interests

  • Ecological complexity and system dynamics

  • Spatial and agent-based modeling of ecological systems

  • Vector-borne disease modeling and risk prediction

  • Conservation informatics and biodiversity analysis

  • Interdisciplinary applications of computational tools in ecology

Yuval Bloch

Current Work

I’m currently developing a computational model that simulates tick population dynamics in relation to land-use patterns and economic scenarios. This work is part of the EEID Madagascar Project, and aims to predict future disease risks under changing ecological and socio-economic conditions.

Academic Background

  • M.Sc. in Biology and Ecology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
    2023 – Present | GPA: 95

  • B.Sc. in Computer Science, The Open University of Israel
    2020 – 2023 | GPA: 83

Technical Skills

  • Programming Languages: Python, R, Julia, C, C++, Java, JavaScript
  • Analytical Tools: GIS, ecological network analysis, machine learning
  • Modeling Approaches: Agent-based models, spatial simulations, graph theory

Teaching and Outreach

  • Teaching Assistant in Statistics and Python courses (2023–present)

  • Teaching Assistant in Physics, Virtual High School (2021–2022)

  • Science Instructor, Yeruham Science Center (2020–2021) – Led STEM programs for high school students, including drone design and applied physics

Contact