14/12/2017

Mateus Sousa's harmonic solutions for Mathematics

Mathematician Mateus Costa de Sousa is dedicated to finding solutions for oscillatory phenomena, which manifest themselves in different sizes and dimensions, from simple ripples to devastating tsunamis. A few days before the end of 2017, the IMPA doctoral student has focused his time on preparing the defense of his thesis “Some optimal inequalities in harmonic analysis”, at 1:30 pm this Friday (15), in room 224 of IMPA.

Born in Tucuruí, Pará, Sousa believes that his interest in mathematics arose alongside his appreciation for games. "I've always really enjoyed games that involve logical challenges," he says, adding that his proximity to good teachers reinforced his interest in the subject.

Souza left Pará at age 21 to pursue a master's degree at IMPA. Holding a full degree in Mathematics from the Federal University of Pará, he dedicates his studies to Harmonic Analysis, an area of Mathematics that deals with oscillatory phenomena.

In his thesis, supervised by researcher Emanuel Carneiro, Sousa explains that he studied known inequalities as well as others discovered during the research. He stated that he was successful in his endeavor.

"We obtained optimal forms linked to two central objects in harmonic analysis: the Fourier transform and the maximal operators."

Without practical application, the doctoral student's research from Pará is included in what is called Pure Mathematics. "I didn't deal directly with practical applications, but the part of harmonic analysis that I studied is linked to differential equations, which model wave propagation phenomena of various types," he explains.

Bags packed

Even before defending his thesis, Souza already has his passport stamped and bags packed to do his post-doctoral studies. In January, he leaves for Argentina where he will do his post-doc at the University of Buenos Aires and, subsequently, will secure another post-doc in Germany, at Ludwig Maximilians University. "In total, it will be a little over three and a half years outside of Brazil."

Before saying goodbye to IMPA, the student describes his mentorship with Emanuel Carneiro as a "wonderful experience." " He's a sensational person in many ways. Besides being a brilliant mathematician, he's an incredible professor and a dedicated mentor."

Already feeling nostalgic, Sousa bids farewell to IMPA, his "home" for the past few years. "The people are what make the place incredible. It's the combination of some of the best mathematicians in the world, several brilliant students, and an active community of visitors, which makes the environment very fertile for mathematical discussion," he concludes.

SERVICE:

Thesis defense by Mateus Costa de Sousa

" Some optimal inequalities in harmonic analysis "

Date: December 15th | Time: 1:30 PM | Location: Room 224