Matt Spragge

I have just started a Master's program in applied and computational mathematics at SFU where I am currently trying to break into the field of kinetic theory with the guidance and supervision of Professor Weiran Sun. Before coming to SFU, I spent four years as an undergraduate student studying mathematics and physics at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. I truly had a wonderful time there, however I am thoroughly enjoying the change of scenery and am enthused to be meeting so many new people!

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I saw coming to SFU as an incredible opportunity to experience a new part of Canada while being able to research mathematics in a department focused on the study of nonlinear partial differential equations; an area of particular personal interest.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH AND/OR PROGRAM.

Broadly speaking, my research pertains to furthering our understanding of the Boltzmann equation from an analytic perspective. Such an equation was originally proposed by Ludwig Boltzmann in the late 19th century to relate macroscopic observations of a gas, such as temperature, to the microscopic interactions of particles;  that is, to describe the thermodynamic behavior of gases.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

The people I have met so far, students and faculty alike, have all been very friendly, kind, and understanding. I especially appreciate the efforts made by my professors to maintain some amount of normalcy throughout the fall term. I have also been enjoying the opportunity to focus on fewer courses at a time, allowing for a deeper understanding of each subject of study.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR FUNDED AWARDS?

Special Graduate Entrance Scholarship.

Contact Matt: msa267@sfu.ca