Science, Technology and Engineering

Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Dr Grant Cairns

Are you looking for a PhD supervisor?

I'm keen to take on new postgraduate students. I do research in pure mathematics in what can be loosely described as geometry/differential geometry/algebra. My main research interests fall roughly into 4 areas:

• low dimensional combinatorial geometry
• Lie algebras and their cohomology
• topological dynamics of group actions
• differentiable group actions and foliation theory

I use an apprenticeship approach when supervising students, with the view to encouraging students to engage in joint research early in their studies. In all, I’ve written 25 joint papers with a total of 18 students, and many of these students have gone on to write sole author papers. This has been a central part of my teaching philosophy and something which I have found personally rewarding and enriching. In my experience, publication focused research is the shortest route taking students into the heart of the discipline, building their confidence, installing the right scholarly values and inspiring students to go on. Participation in research is an incredibly strong motivation for students, and with it, their learning increases dramatically in both breath and depth.

If you are interested in knowing more about possible research topics, drop me a line, or email me: G.Cairns@latrobe.edu.au. If possible, tell me who you are, and why you want to do research in pure maths.

General information about postgraduate studies in mathematics at La Trobe can be found on the postgraduate home page. This incudes a brief description of staff members interests. You might also visit other staff members home pages.