Lecturer in Mathematical Sciences in UCD
Dr Robert Osburn - Lecturer in maths
How did you go about getting your current job?
I saw the ad and decided to apply. The first time I visited Ireland [Robert is originally from Louisiana in the US] was for the interview. I enjoyed Dublin and found the people at UCD to be very helpful.
What have been the main “career decision” milestones in your life so far?
The first was taking an undergraduate course in differential equations. It was a tough, rigorous course, given by an enthusiastic professor who wanted the students to understand the material at a deeper level. A bit of success encouraged me to take other math courses.
The second was passing my written PhD examinations in graduate school. They consisted of two four-hour exams covering all of the content from our first year.
They were not fun. After passing, I felt more confident in my abilities and decided to continue.
I was also fortunate to visit Germany on a one-year research visit. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and work intensely on research projects.
Lastly, I would say deciding to move to a new country to live and work. I was very interested in helping to create the first Number Theory research group in Ireland.
Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?
Yes, definitely. The combination of flexible hours, working with international colleagues (and thus travelling), and the ability to enjoy life outside work is fantastic.
What are the main tasks and responsibilities?
Lecturing to a wide range of students, from first years to graduates. I try to encourage questions not only during the lecture, but afterwards too. Also, making progress on existing research projects and coming up with ideas for new ones.
I also apply for research grants, co-organise a research seminar, and meet with my graduate student and postdoc on a regular basis. I am also responsible for some administrative duties.
What are the main challenges?
Concerning lecturing, it is a challenge to convey mathematical ideas in a clear, precise, and enthusiastic manner. The students are quite good and definitely ask questions that make me think.
Concerning research, it is a challenge for me to digest recent mathematical developments and work on new projects. This is part of the excitement.
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
Originally, I majored in chemical engineering until I realised that I didn’t like (and wasn’t good at) either chemistry or engineering, I found that I was much more interested in why the formulas were true. Where did they come from?
Courses in differential equations and abstract algebra as an undergraduate and number theory (from my PhD advisor) as a graduate student helped me to think in terms of examples in an effort to see the bigger, more abstract picture.
What is your education to date?
PhD in Mathematics in 2001 from Louisiana State University
Postdoctoral positions in Canada (three years) and Germany (one year)
I started at UCD in September 2005
I was fortunate to visit the Institut des Hautes
