Prestigious Doctoral Scholarships for Mathematical Topology Enthusiasts

Prestigious Doctoral Scholarships for Mathematical Topology Enthusiasts

The two College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science recipients of the University’s most prestigious postgraduate scholarship award – the UKZN Doctoral Research Scholarship – are making waves in the field of mathematics with research into aspects of topology, a branch of mathematics concerning the intrinsic properties of space that are preserved under continuous deformations. 

School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science students, Mr Lindani Cele and Mr Shimon Corcos, have completed all their studies at UKZN. 

Cele, whose research focuses on cohesive frames with a slant to almost zero dimensionality, chose to study at UKZN because of its strong reputation for academic excellence and commitment to research in mathematics and the discipline’s collaborative environment. 

Despite not having a maths teacher in high school, he achieved an A in matric; and received four Dean’s Commendations and five merit certificates during his studies at UKZN. He completed his master’s with a cum laude result, receiving praise for its mathematical content and novel results. 

A supportive environment, with staff members committed to helping students succeed, as well as diverse offerings such as extracurricular activities that enriched his learning, contributed to a positive learning experience at the University. 

Cele is fascinated by and hopes to contribute to the beauty and complexity of abstract mathematics. His PhD enables him to delve deeper into specific topics, challenge himself intellectually, and engage with the mathematical community. He also hopes to inspire future generations of mathematicians through teaching and research. 

His PhD topic has potential applications in various areas of mathematics and has yet to be extensively explored, presenting an opportunity for original research. 

‘This topic lays the groundwork for further theoretical developments in pure mathematics and enhances our ability to solve complex problems. I hope to contribute valuable insights that can influence theoretical frameworks and practical applications in mathematics and related disciplines,’ he said. 

Originally from Msinga, Cele has a daughter, Olwemihla, and prioritises celebrating each moment of progress with his family at home, motivating him to strive for more. Playing soccer also provides stress relief. 

Cele is keen to pursue a career in mathematical research and enjoys teaching, which he hopes to apply to an academic career. 

This scholarship has alleviated the financial burden of postgraduate studies and validated his hard work and dedication, enabling him to focus on his research and academic goals. 

Cele thanked God for His guidance and presence and his master’s supervisor, Dr Simo Mthethwa, for his belief, mentorship and friendship. He thanked his family, especially his grandmother, uncles, and brothers Siphokuhle and Thuthukani, for their support. He also thanked Mr Siphiwe Maphalala for his friendship and accommodation support when he had no funding in his honours’ year. He thanked fellow postgraduate students for their contribution of motivation, ideas, and support. 

Corcos chose to study at UKZN because of its high national and international rankings. The convenience of staying close to home, an entrant scholarship awarded for academic excellence, and the flexibility of UKZN’s BSc programme also influenced his decision. 

Throughout his studies, Corcos appreciated the esteemed, international, diverse academic staff in UKZN’s mathematics department and formed strong relationships with lecturers and researchers, who provided sound academic advice and networking. They deepened his passion for mathematics, particularly in research and problem-solving, leading him to pursue a PhD once his summa cum laude master’s research was upgraded upon examiners’ recommendation. 

His research focuses on topology, specifically hypertopologies such as the Vietoris topology and the lower Vietoris topology. He was drawn to this field through the guidance of his supervisor, Professor Dharmanand Baboolal, and a seminal paper by Professor Ernest Michael. His PhD research investigates various properties in the lower Vietoris topology, contributing to theoretical understanding and practical applications in category theory and non-deterministic algorithms in computer science. 

Corcos has presented his research at key conferences, including the Emerging Perspectives in Mathematics II and the 66th Annual Congress of the South African Mathematical Society. His presentation at UKZN’s Postgraduate Research and Innovation Symposium 2023 earned him first place in the oral presentation category. He was among 200 young researchers worldwide invited to the 10th Heidelberg Laureate Forum in Germany, where he engaged with some of the most esteemed figures in mathematics and computer science. 

Corcos has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Zac Yacoob Scholarship, Lawrence and Constance Robinson Scholarship, and Townley Williams Scholarship. He is also the recipient of the Spotlight on Greatness award, highlighting him as one of UKZN’s most inspiring students. 

Beyond research, Corcos is committed to teaching and community service and is passionate about mathematics communication. He has lectured, tutored, and participated in various educational initiatives, including the MathTales YouTube series and mathematics revision classes for high school students. He also enjoys creative outlets like playing the piano and guitar, which balance his academic pursuits, and his time spent with his family is invaluable. 

Corcos plans to continue his research, possibly through postdoctoral studies and aims to teach at university level. He remains dedicated to community service and hopes to explore new places and collaborations through travel. Receiving a scholarship for his PhD research has been a significant honour, affirming his work, providing financial relief, and encouraging him to continue in academia. 

Corcos expressed his gratitude to UKZN for the Doctoral Research Scholarship for 2024 and for financial support throughout his academic journey. He also thanks the National Research Foundation (NRF) for its Doctoral Scholarship, which helped fund his studies and living expenses. He thanked his parents for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the crucial roles of his supervisor, Baboolal; mentor, Professor Paranjothi Pillay; and co-supervisor, Dr Cerene Rathilal, for their guidance, mentorship, and recommendations, significantly enhancing his academic success. 

Words: Christine Cuenod

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini