Where are they now – Brendan Harding (SPC 2001-06)

We recently reconnected with Class of 2006 Dux Brendan Harding (SPC 2001-06), who credits supportive teachers for nurturing his love of mathematics, which is now taking him all over the world.

 

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?
Upon finishing high school, I spent almost 10 years in Canberra at Australian National University where I completed undergraduate and doctorate degrees, specialising in mathematics.

I really enjoyed my time in Canberra and have many fond memories. My studies led to specialisations in fractal geometry and numerical analysis and, with the encouragement of some great mentors, I began to see a future for myself as a mathematics researcher/lecturer.
I then moved to the University of Adelaide where I worked as a postdoctoral researcher for roughly four years. Here I began working much more in the realm of applied mathematics, specifically on problems related to fluid dynamics. I made a lot of good friends in Adelaide and continued to expand my network.
In mid-2020 I started work for Victoria University of Wellington (based in NZ), although due to the Covid lockdowns I was unable to move to NZ until 2021. This was a tough way to start a new job, but thankfully I have a lot of friendly and supportive colleagues who helped me get settled in. I really enjoy living in Wellington and I have found myself volunteering at a local sanctuary (Zealandia) in my spare time.
I have been fortunate that my work has provided opportunities to travel all over the world presenting research at international conferences.

Do you have family ties with SPC?
None that I’m aware of.

What are your fondest memories of your time at St Patrick’s College?
I had a good group of friends and generally enjoyed the time we spent at school together, especially in the last few years.

Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you? Why?
I had many great teachers throughout my time at SPC. In mathematics I learned much from Danny Moore, Steve Callahan, and John Cosgriff. Danny was a great mentor and helped me to develop confidence in my abilities. Steve challenged me with interesting problems throughout Year 11, some of which I remember well and share with my own students. John took time after school hours in Year 12 to run a university maths class for myself and a couple of friends, which ultimately allowed me to accelerate my undergraduate degree.
I also learned much in chemistry from Colleen Pope and in physics from Les Bone.

How has your education shaped your professional life?
As a researcher/lecturer, education is fundamental to my professional life. As a researcher I continue to learn about new things every day and push the boundaries of what is known and then communicate that knowledge with others. As a lecturer I use my own education and expertise in mathematics to inform how I teach and inspire students.

How has your time at SPC shaped your personal values and your family life?
I’m not sure I have a good answer for this. I think generally being friendly and kind can get you a long way in life.

If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would it be?
Many students struggle to see the value of mathematics in their school years, but it really is a valuable skill with wide reaching applications. Much of the value comes from being able to deconstruct problem and apply logical reasoning to reach a solution, which is widely applicable to all sorts of problems in everyday life. There is often a misheld conception that some people are naturally good at math and others are not, but this is simply not true. So I encourage all students to keep at it and engage with their teachers and peers when there is something you don’t understand.

 

 

 

 

 

We would also love a current photo/s of you as well please (this can be a headshot, photos with family, at work or enjoying a hobby etc).

I’ve attached a picture of me receiving the NZ Math Society early career research award, and another of me delivering a lecture, both from December last year.