Sherwin Parena
University of the Philippines Diliman
My main interest is mathematical relativity, particularly geometry and topology of spacetime in fluid models. Indeed, for my master’s thesis, I worked with some submanifolds of generalizations of Einstein manifold. This includes biharmonic submanifolds, which have great application in elasticity and fluid dynamics. I am also interested in the study of curvatures of exotic spheres.
Give me a quick overview of the type of mathematics you are studying, and/or the aims of your research and its potential applications/outcomes (how you would explain your work and studies to friends who don’t study maths?)
My research aims to help answer some of the big questions about our universe, e.g., its geometry and topology. My previous research on submanifolds of generalizations of Einstein manifold allows us to study the behavior of certain regions of spacetime, particularly when it was at a stage very close to the Big Bang. This is important because it gives us an idea of how the properties of the universe progressed along with its evolution to the present.
How did you get into the mathematical sciences? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
I was really into physics and was a fan of sci-fi, such as relativity, black holes, time travel, etc. I realized during middle school that mathematical sciences are one of the concrete ways to understand, learn, and do research related to these concepts. Moreover, I chose maths because of its ability to justify the truth in ideas.
Winter School is designed to give students a deeper understanding of their area of research and expose them to others working in different fields/industries. Tell me about your Winter School experience. What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
I am grateful to be a participant in the AMSI Winter School 2026. This experience was valuable for me because it gave me further direction in my research area.
Listening to lectures and having discussions with peers about things related to my research is important, especially since it is very rare for me to find someone working in Riemannian geometry at my university.
What was your main take away/s from AMSI Winter School? Something you learnt? A connection you made? Do you have new ideas for your work/research or see it in a new light?
The lectures by Prof. Song Sun gave me more tools to further advance my research on generalizations of Einstein manifolds. I realized that I should not limit myself to Riemannian geometry, but should also utilize tools from different areas, especially
PDEs, to study Einstein manifolds. In addition, the discussion of Prof. Dr. Christoph Böhm’s lecture with my dissertation adviser gave me a lens to approach certain problems regarding exotic spheres.
What surprised you most about Winter School?
I was really surprised by how big the gap in the level of research in geometric analysis is between my university and the universities in Australia. This gave me more push to finish my PhD and promote geometric analysis and differential geometry at my university and in my country.
What is the importance of in-person communication at an event like Winter School?
In-person communication gives you more flexibility to communicate with your peers and the speakers during lectures and tea breaks. Also, it is more fun and enjoyable.
You received a grant to attend AMSI Winter School. How important was this in terms of your ability to attend, fully participate in the program and meet others studying in similar fields?
My participation in the AMSI Winter School would not be possible without the full grant from the AMSI-ICMS International Grant. The cost of attending the program, including the flight tickets, accommodation, and program fees, adds up to a huge amount of money in our currency. Hence, I am really thankful for this grant.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Winter School? How would you describe the conference to them?
Don’t think twice and send an application now. Meeting new people with the same research interests as you really gives a lot of fresh perspective and ideas you can apply in your research. This may also open you to more opportunities and collaborations in the future.
Tell us about a moment that changed a preconceived idea about your field?
I am really surprised by how Brisbane promotes mathematical sciences to the public. Indeed, I was amazed when I attended the public lecture at the State Library, because I saw people of different ages, all eager and curious to learn Mathematics. And that was not the usual mathematics taught in school but topology and its application. This is entirely new to me because mathematics is not welcomed by the public in the Philippines, especially for new students. I wish we could also have regular science talks in my city.
Where do you want the mathematical sciences to take you? Where do you see yourself in five, ten years time?
In 5 years, I will be a new PhD graduate at my home institute. I want to produce several publications from my dissertation with huge significance in geometric analysis. Looking forward 10 years from now, I want to see myself as a key person in geometric analysis and differential geometry in my country. I really want to promote this research area to new mathematics students and eventually guide them with their own research. I also want to advocate for mathematical science to the public and reduce the stigma about math by showing them how math is useful in everyday life.
Any other feedback/comments you would like to provide on the travel grant or AMSI Winter School?
I want to give my highest appreciation to the AMSI-ICMS for the generous travel grant and for making my participation possible in the winter school. I would also like to thank the administration team of the AMSI Winter School, the organizers, speakers, and other participants for making my experience very fruitful.