Dr Ivo Siekmann is an ecologist, applied mathematician and statistician, specialising in using systems of stochastic partial differential equations (SPDE) and applying Bayesian MCMC approaches to tackle real-world ecological and biological problems. His work includes the population dynamics of plankton under the influence of marine viruses, modelling invasive species around the UK and beyond and calcium cell signalling. As well as diving into Ivo's work as a scientist, we also take it back to his younger years growing up in the German school system, moving to New Zealand for job opportunities and his yearning for answers to life's big philosophical questions about humanity.