[Portrait] Rym Smaï, PhD student in mathematics
What is your research about?
I do Lorentzian geometry. This is the natural mathematical framework of the physical theory of general relativity introduced by A. Einstein in 1915. One of the key ideas of this theory is that space and time are not two independent notions, as our intuition would suggest, but linked. This is the birth of space-time. In my thesis, I study possible mathematical models of physical space-time and I am interested, in particular, in describing their causal properties (i.e. what is related to the future/past of an event, trajectories of light photons, ...).
What are your current scientific activities?
I recently submitted my first article " Anosov representations as holonomies of globally hyperbolic spatially compact conformally flat spacetimes "to the journal Geometriae Dedicata. At the moment I am writing my thesis while continuing to think about questions. I am also preparing a paper on "Anosov representations", a related topic to my thesis, which I will present at a working group in late August 2021.
Why did you choose to work in academic research?
I have been immersed in mathematics since my early childhood. My father is passionate about mathematics and is lucky enough to have been able to make it his profession by teaching it at university. He was the first person to spark my interest in the subject. My interest developed throughout my schooling, especially in high school, and was confirmed during my higher education. In addition, I have always enjoyed explaining the mathematics I was teaching to others. The profession of "teacher-researcher" combines these two aspects: learning mathematics and transmitting it. Finally, an academic career has always attracted me because of the freedom and flexibility it gives me in managing my time and setting up scientific projects.
What advice would you give to students who want to do research?
To be patient and persistent. Not to be discouraged by what may seem like "failures". And then...enjoy the scientific events (seminars, conferences, schools, ...) to meet new people, exchange ideas and create links because research is done through sharing and cooperation!
What object or image from your business best illustrates you?
One of the things I like about mathematical research is that it requires very little material resources. The essential ingredients for proving beautiful theorems are: a blackboard, chalk and of course coffee! (although I am an exception to this last rule...). Not convinced? I enclose a photo of the blackboard in my office, taken after a working session with my thesis director. The board is the support of our ideas and attempts and often it goes in all directions!
The Mathematics Laboratory of Avignon
Its main aim is to bring together and support researchers active in the research themes of these three teams, to encourage national and international collaborations and to promote the reception of doctoral students.
Mis à jour le 22 December 2022