I teach undergrad and grad mathematics courses, I do scientific research, I supervise grad students’ research, and I have some administrative duties in my department and university and within the larger scientific community. I am an applied mathematician, so my research involves using mathematical and computational methods to solve problems in science. My main interest is in geophysical fluid dynamics, which is the study of the movement of air and water in the atmosphere and oceans. I am particularly interested in understanding how waves in the atmosphere interact and affect the general circulation of the atmosphere and influence weather and climate. I use mathematical equations based on the laws of physics to model these waves and use mathematical analysis and computer programs to solve the equations.

Please describe your education and background.

I was born in Barbados. My father was from Barbados and was
a math professor with a PhD in the area of math called group theory. My mother was a teacher from Ghana. My father studied in the UK and first worked in Ghana, where he met my mother, then eventually moved back to the Caribbean where I was born and grew up. I also lived in Ghana and in the UK before moving to Canada. I obtained my PhD in applied mathematics from McGill University, did postdoctoral research in atmospheric physics at the University of Toronto and then started my faculty position at  Carleton University in 2003.

Why did you decide to make a career of mathematics?

I decided to make a career teaching mathematics when I was about 4 years old. It is the only career I ever considered. As a teacher who also grew up in a family of teachers, my mother noticed and encouraged my interest in mathematics from a very early age.

What do you do when you are not at work? What are your hobbies and other interests.

When I am not working, I hang out with my son. We enjoy travelling, especially going to the beach, and going to music concerts and festivals. Our favourite trips have been to Barbados and to Prince Edward Island.