Headshot of Karen Yokley

Karen Yokley

Professor of Mathematics

Department: Mathematics and Statistics

Office and address: Duke, Office 209F 2320 Campus Box Elon, NC 27244

Phone number: (336) 278-5866

Professional Expertise

Mathematical Modeling/Biomathematics, Mathematical Modeling Education

Brief Biography

Karen Yokley received her Ph.D. in applied mathematics with a concentration in computational mathematics from North Carolina State University in 2005.  Immediately following the completion of her Ph.D., Dr. Yokley worked as a post-doctoral fellow in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency until she joined the Elon University faculty in 2008.  Her primary research focus is modeling biological systems with ordinary differential equations, but she also is very interested in connections between art and mathematics.  Dr. Yokley has published her research in multiple journals, including Bulletin of Mathematical Biology and Risk Analysis.  She is also active in the mathematical modeling education community and was an original member of the Steering Committee Member for the Mathematical Modeling Hub (MMHub).  Dr. Yokley’s spouse, Dr. Nicholas Luke, is also an applied mathematician, and they have one child (who may or may not follow in his parents’ mathematical footsteps).

News & Notes

Education

BS in Mathematics with a minor in Biology, University of Tennessee, May 1999

MS in Applied Mathematics, NCSU, May 2002

PhD in Applied Mathematics with a concentration in Computational Mathematics, NCSU, August 2005

Employment History

  • August 2020-present, Professor of Mathematics, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Elon University
  • August 2014-August 2020, Associate Professor of Mathematics, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Elon University
  • August 2008-August 2014, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Elon University
  • January 2008-July 2008, Post-Doctoral Fellow (Mentor: Dr. Jane Ellen Simmons), Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in collaboration with the United States Environmental Protection Agency
  • August 2005-January 2008, Post-doctoral Fellow (Mentor: Dr. Marina Evans), Curriculum in Toxicology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in collaboration with the United States Environmental Protection Agency

Leadership Positions

Applied Mathematics Coordinator (2008-present)

Admissions Committee Chair (2011-2012)

Phi Beta Kappa Members-in-Course Committee Chair (2017-2018, 2021-2022)

Working Group on Documenting High-Quality Teaching Co-chair (2017-2019)

Search Committee Chair, Mathematics Tenure-track Position (2018-2019)

Post-Probationary Faculty Development Committee Chair (2023-2024)

Current Projects

  • Investigations using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) and other toxicological models.
  • Mathematical modeling of infectious diseases (using various approaches).
  • Creation of classroom materials for undergraduate mathematical modeling courses, with a specific interest in biology.

Grants Awarded

  • (2019-2022)  NSF, “Collaborative Proposal: REU Site: North Carolina A&T State University and Elon University Joint Summer REU in Mathematical Biology,” $359,972. (submitted with Nicholas Luke, NC A&T)
  • (2017)  Elon University, CATL Diversity Inclusion Grant, “Creating a Calculus I resource for diverse learners.”  (1 of 4 participants)
  • (2016)  Elon University, Faculty Research & Development Summer Fellowship
  • (2011)  Elon University, The Fund for Excellence in the Arts and Sciences, “SOLVE,” (1 of 4 participants)
  • (2010)  Elon University, The Fund for Excellence in the Arts and Sciences, “Exploring Interdisciplinary Opportunities in Computational Science,” (1 of 10 participants)

Publications

Books:

  • C. Arangala, N.S. Luke, and K.A. Yokley, Mathematical Modeling: Branching Beyond Calculus.  CRC Press: Taylor & Francis Group, 2018.
  • C. Arangala and K.A. Yokley, Exploring Calculus: Labs and Projects with Mathematica.  CRC Press: Taylor & Francis Group, 2016.

Articles:

  • J. Thomas* and K.A. Yokley (2025).  Numerical Simulation of Jellyfish Swimming.  PUMP (Preparing Undergraduate Mathematicians for Ph.D.s) Journal of Undergraduate Research. Vol. 8, p.427-445. (https://journals.calstate.edu/pump/article/view/6120)
  • D. DaSilva* and K. A. Yokley (2024). Mathematical Approaches of Modeling Obesity Trends.  The North Carolina Journal of Mathematics and Statistics. Vol. 10, p.20-39.  (https://libjournal.uncg.edu/ncjms/article/view/2417)
  • L.O. Cavey, H.S. Lee, M. Hernandez, K. Yokley (2022).  Online Tools to Support Mathematical Modeling and Community Building. The Centroid, 47(2), p.11-17.(https://www.ncctm.org/activities/the-centroid1/centroid-issue-archive/spring-2022/)
  • K. Yokley and N. Luke (2020).   Lessons Learned from a Virtual Summer Undergraduate Research Program. Scholarship and Practice of Undergraduate Research (SPUR). 4(1), p.76-77. (doi: 10.18833/spur/4/1/11)
  • A. Trocki, J. Mays, K. Yokley, and J. Beuerle, (2020). Strategies that Support Students Meeting the Demands of a First-Year Calculus Course. MAA Focus, April/May 2020, p.14-16. (http://digitaleditions.walsworthprintgroup.com/publication/?m=7656&i=656938&p=14)
  • K.A. Yokley, H. Parker*, S. Campelo*, and C. Arangala (2020).  A Computational Investigation on How Visitation Affects the Reproduction Number in a Dengue Fever Model. The North Carolina Journal of Mathematics and Statistics. Vol. 6, 1–13. (http://libjournal.uncg.edu/ncjms/article/view/1979)

  • K.A. Yokley, J. Ascraft*, and N.S. Luke. (2019). A Computational Investigation of the Ventilation Structure and Maximum Rate of Metabolism for a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Model of Inhaled Xylene.  BIOMATH, Vol. 8, 1-13. (http://dx.doi.org/10.11145/j.biomath.2019.01.067)

  • K. Reagan*, K.A. Yokley, and C. Arangala. (2019).  Simulations on a Mathematical Model of Dengue Fever with a Focus on Mobility.  The North Carolina Journal of Mathematics and Statistics. Vol. 5, p.1-16. (http://libjournal.uncg.edu/ncjms/article/view/1670)
  • K.A. Yokley, A.F. Fischer*, N.S. Luke, and A. Rouiller* (2015).  Computational sensitivity analysis on a mathematical model of epileptic seizures. BIOMATH. Vol. 4, p.1-18 (http://dx.doi.org/10.11145/j.biomath.2015.08.141).
  • K.A. Yokley, J.T. Lee, A. Brown*, M. Minor*, and G. Mader* (2014).  A simple agent-based model (ABM) of malaria transmission investigating intervention methods and acquired immunity.  Involve, a Journal of Mathematics, Vol. 7, No. 1, p.15–40 (DOI: 10.2140/involve.2014.7.15).
  • Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE A. Bienz*, K.A. Yokley, and C. Arangala (2013).  Magic Polygrams. Involve, a Journal of Mathematics, Vol. 6, No. 2, p.169-189 (DOI: 10.2140/involve.2013.6.169).       
  • K.A. Yokley (2013).  Investigations on ventilation equation structure in physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling of inhaled toxicants.  International Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics, Vol. 82, No. 1, p.95-123.
  • K.A. Yokley (2012).  Sensory Irritation Response in Rats II: Recovery and Dose-Dependence.  Bulletin of Mathematical Biology, Vol. 74, No. 7, p.1673-1690 (DOI: 10.1007/s11538-012-9730-4).
  • B. Draper*, D. Marcin*, A. Margolskee*, R. Murden*, A. Attarian, M.V. Evans, and K.A. Yokley (2009).  Feasibility of Metabolic Parameter Estimation in Pharmacokinetic Models of Carbon Tetrachloride Exposure in Rats.  Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry, Vol. 91, No. 3, p.521-546.
  • K.A. Yokley and M.V. Evans (2008).  Physiological changes associated with aging result in lower internal doses of toluene and perchloroethylene in simulations using pharmacokinetic modeling.  Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry, Vol. 90, No. 3, p.475-482 (DOI 10.1080/02772240701594305).
  • K.A. Yokley, H. Tran, and P.M. Schlosser (2008).  Sensory Irritation Response in Rats: Modeling, Analysis, and Validation.  Bulletin of Mathematical Biology, Vol. 70, No. 2, p.555-588 (DOI 10.1007/s11538-007-9268-z).
  • K.A. Yokley and M.V. Evans (2007).  An Example of Model Structure Differences Using Sensitivity Analyses in Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Models of Trichloroethylene in Humans.  Bulletin of Mathematical Biology, Vol. 69, No. 8, p.2591-2625 (DOI 10.1007/s11538-007-9233-x).
  • K. Yokley, H.T. Tran, K. Pekari, S. Rappaport, V. Riihimaki, N. Rothman, S. Waidyanatha, and P.M. Schlosser (2006).  Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling of benzene in humans: a Bayesian approach.  Risk Analysis, Vol. 6, No. 4, p.925-943. 
  • J. Enders, S. Kas-Danouche, W. Liao, B. Rasmussen, T. Anh Vo, K. Yokley, L. Robertson, and R.C. Smith (2003).  Design of a Membrane Deployable Structure.  Proceedings of the 44th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, Norfolk, VA, AIAA-2003-1494.  (Also see CRSC Technical Report, CRSC-TR03-06 http://www.ncsu.edu/crsc/reports/ftp/pdf/crsc-tr03-06.pdf .)
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* indicates undergraduate

Presentations

  • ``Experiences in Facilitating Mathematical Modeling Research in the NC A&T/Elon Collaborative Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program,'' Joint Mathematics Meetings (JMM), Boston, MA, January 4-7, 2023. (N. Luke and K. Yokley, presenters)
  • “Research and Summer Opportunities Panel,” Mathematics—Opportunities in Research and Education (MORE) Conference, Blacksburg, VA, October 8-9, 2022. (invited panelist)
  • “Modeling throughout the Curriculum: Disease Transmission.” Project NExT Program at Mathematical Association of America (MAA) MathFest, Cincinnati, OH, July 31-August 3, 2019.  (two-day short course led by K. Yokley and N. Luke)
  • “Math is Awesome: How Mathematics and Statistics Shape My World and Yours!” Pi Mu Epsilon Annual Pizza Party, Elon University, December 7, 2017. (presentation)
  • “Investigations of the effects of different ventilation structures on physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling (PBPK) simulations.”  Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics (BAMM!) Conference, VCU, Richmond, VA, May 20-22, 2016. (presentation)
  • “Life and Death as Described in Mathematical Modeling.”  Elon College Fellows Colloquium, Elon University, Elon, NC, November 10, 2015. (Karen Yokley and Crista Arangala, presenters and panel participants)
  • “Using Mathematica as the primary technology in the calculus sequence and in linear algebra.”  (Karen Yokley and Crista Arangala, presenters.)  Mathematical Association of America Southeastern Section (MAA-SE) Annual Meeting, UNC-Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, March 12-14, 2015.  (presentation)
  • “Magic Polygrams.”  Mathematical Association of America Southeastern Section (MAA-SE) Annual Meeting, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN, March 13-15, 2014. (presentation)
  • "Mathematical Modeling Investigations of Epileptic Seizures.”  Faculty scholarship for CELEBRATE! 2013, Elon University, Elon, NC, April 23, 2013.  (poster)
  • “Sensory Irritation Response in Rats: Recovery and Dose-Dependence.”  2012 Joint Mathematics Meetings, Boston, MA, January 4-7, 2012. (presentation and abstract published in Abstracts of papers presented to the American Mathematical Society)
  • “Exploring Applications of GeoGebra.”  (Jan Mays and Karen Yokley, presenters.)  North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCCTM) State Mathematics Conference, Greensboro, NC, October 27-28, 2011. (presentation)
  • “Math & Malaria: How Probability Can Be Used to Describe Disease Spread.”  Sonia Kovalevsky Day, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, October 22, 2011. (invited presentation)
  • “Investigations on a Mathematical Model for the Simulation of Epileptic Seizures,” preliminary report.  American Mathematical Society (AMS) Fall Southeastern Section Meeting, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, September 24-25, 2011. (presentation)
  • “An Agent-Based Approach to Modeling Malaria Infection.”  North Carolina Symposium for Women in Mathematics and Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, Saturday, April 16, 2011. (presentation)
  • “Using Differential Equations in Mathematical Biology.”  Seminar, High Point University, High Point, NC, November 3, 2009. (invited presentation)
  • Career Discussion, North Carolina Regional Chapter Society of Toxicology (NCSOT) Fall Meeting “Translational Medicine and Biomarkers,” National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Durham, NC, October 13, 2009. (panelist)
  • “An Agent-Based Approach to Modeling Malaria Infection.” (Karen Yokley and Todd Lee, presenters.)  Department of Mathematics faculty presentation for the 6th Annual CELEBRATE! week at Elon University, Elon, NC, April 28, 2009.  (presentation)
  • “Establishing metabolic changes in the rat during exposures of carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene through the use of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling.”  (K.A. Yokley, M.V. Evans, and J.E. Simmons, authors.)  American Mathematical Society (AMS) Spring Southeastern Section Meeting, Raleigh, NC, April 4-5, 2009.  (presentation)
  • “Establishing changes in metabolism of carbon tetrachloride in the presence of trichloroethylene in the rat through the use of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling.”  (K.A. Yokley, M.V. Evans, and J.E. Simmons, authors.)  The 46th Annual Society of Toxicology Meeting, Charlotte, NC, March 25-29, 2007.  (poster)
  • “Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling in Aging Humans: Early Issues and Examples.”  Biomathematics Seminar Series, North Carolina State University, February 6, 2007. (invited presentation)
  • “Modeling Sensory Irritation Response in Rats.”  Joint Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM)-Society for Mathematical Biology (SMB) Conference on the Life Sciences, Raleigh, NC, July 31-August 4, 2006.  (presentation)
  • “An Example of Model Structure Differences Using Sensitivity Analyses in Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Models of Trichloroethylene in Humans.”  The Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) Workshop at the 2006 Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) Annual Meeting, Boston, MA, July 11-12, 2006. (presentation)
  • “Physiologically Based Model Development and Parameter Estimation: Respiratory Irritation Response in Rats.”  (K.A. Yokley, H.T. Tran, and P.M. Schlosser, authors.)  The 45th Annual Society of Toxicology Meeting, San Diego, CA, March 5-9, 2006.  (poster)
  • “Physiologically Based Model Development and Parameter Estimation: Respiratory Irritation Response in Rodents.”  The 6th Annual Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics Southeast Conference on Control and Its Applications (held jointly with the 2005 SIAM Annual Meeting), New Orleans, LA, July 11-14, 2005.  (presentation)
  • “Physiologically Based Model Development and Parameter Estimation: Respiratory Irritation Response in Rodents.”  The 29th Annual Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics Southeast Atlantic Section Meeting, Citadel and College of Charleston, March 25-26, 2005. (presentation)
  • “Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling of benzene in humans: a Bayesian approach.”  Southeastern Atlantic Regional Conference on Differential Equations, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, October 22-23, 2004. (presentation)
  • “Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling of benzene in humans: a Bayesian approach.”  (K.A. Yokley, H.T. Tran, and P.M. Schlosser, authors.)  Southeastern Atlantic Mathematical Sciences Workshop (also known as “Cha-Cha Days”), College of Charleston, September 17-19, 2004. (poster)
  • “Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling of benzene in humans: a Bayesian approach.”  (K.A. Yokley, H.T. Tran, and P.M. Schlosser, authors.)  North Carolina Society of Toxicology Spring Meeting, Environmental Protection Agency (RTP), March 11, 2004. (poster)

Professional Activities

 

Service Activities

  • Elon University chapter of Phi Beta Kappa (2008-present).
    • Members in Course Committee (2015-2022, Chair 2017-2018, Chair 2021-2022)
    • Funds for Excellence Committee (2015-present, Chair 2025-present)
    • Arrangements Committee (2011-2015)
  • Admissions Committee (2010-2012, Chair 2011-2012).
  • School of Arts and Sciences Internship Committee (2011).
  • Neuroscience Advisory Committee (2011-2021, 2025-2026).
  • Women and Gender Studies Advisory Committee (2012-2014).
  • GlaxoSmithKline Women in Science Scholarship Committee (2013-2014).
  • Elon College of Arts and Sciences Math and Natural Sciences Divisional Curriculum Committee (2013-2019).
  • Elon University Academic Council, representative for the Division of Math and Natural Sciences (2017-2020).
    • Committee on Committees (2017-2019)
  • Working Group on Documenting High-Quality Teaching, (Co-chair, 2017-2019)
  • Post-Probationary Faculty Development Review Committee (2022-2024, Chair 2023-2024)
  • Academic Advising Advisory Committee (2025-2026)