19 August 2026

Photo: Bauer Private

Since moving to Hamburg, Samuel has started a PhD in the group of Prof. Dr. Christoph Schweigert working on developing a deformation theory of Frobenius monoidal functors.

Can you tell us a bit about your scientific journey?

In my Honours at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, my thesis was on the classification of fine gradings on Lie algebras under triality. Currently, I am working on developing a deformation theory of Frobenius monoidal functors. Frobenius monoidal functors are monoidal functors that are both lax and oplax in a sensibly compatible way. It involves understanding several new areas of mathematics for me, and I am very excited to get a solid grasp of the concepts in these areas. 

Why did you choose to pursue a PhD? 

I really enjoy research and working out the details at the frontiers of mathematics. There is a real earned pride in being one of a few people in the world who understand what you do to the extent that you do, while also being able to work with others with similar research areas. My PhD so far has been an intensification and concentration of what it was like to work on my master's, and I enjoy that immensely. 

Which is your go-to place in Hamburg?

Whenever a friend is visiting us in Hamburg, my partner and I like to take them to Wildpark Schwarze Berge. It's a lovely day trip out of the city center, and it is always wonderful to go and see all the animals. There are also a lot of nice green spaces in the city, like Niendorfer Gehege or Planten un Blomen. Going to them always helps me clear my mind.  

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about pursuing a PhD?

Make sure that you are taking good care of your physical and mental health. Working on a degree is no excuse to not take care of yourself, and you will have a much better time and get much better results if you make sure to take time to relax with friends, pursue a hobby, or otherwise let your mind rest from thinking about research all the time.