Meet the scientists!

My area of research is on the relationship between Mathematical Physics and Algebra. I study integrable systems, which are models which describe moving things in the real world, from particles to planets. There are lots of dynamical systems in the real world, but integrable systems are particularly special because they contain a lot of symmetry, which makes them easier to solve. When I say ‘solve’ a system, I mean, can we calculate somehow where the particle or planet is going to be at a certain time? This is actually really hard to do. A good, simple example of an integrable systems is the mathematical pendulum, which you might have already studied in Physics.

I work normal office hours, getting into my office around 8am and leaving around 5pm. Being a PhD student is very flexible, as nobody is looking over your shoulder to check what time you get in, but I like to work normal hours so I can have the evenings and weekends to myself. The vast majority of my day is spent reading books and papers, and trying to understand them. Unlike most other scientists, none of my work involves experiments or being in a lab, it’s all purely theoretical. In order to come up with new work in a certain field, you have to first become an expert in that field, which means reading other people’s work. I work mainly just with pen and paper, but sometimes use mathematics software called Maple, which can be very handy for big calculations. I also meet with my supervisor once or twice a week to discuss my work, and he helps me if I don’t understand something. I also tutor undergraduates once a week, which I enjoy.

We have a great Schools Outreach Officer in the maths department here, and her job role involves lots of activities for schools in the area which aim to get young people more engaged with maths. We could spend the money on developing exciting new activities as part of the outreach programme.