Born: 1968 (Bristol, United Kingdom)
Biography:
Catherine Ann Hobbs is a British mathematician and educator, known for her extensive research in singularity theory and her contributions to science policy and the advancement of women in STEM fields. She currently holds the position of a Professor and Academic Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing at Coventry University.
Born in Bristol in 1968, Hobbs’ passion for mathematics was nurtured from a young age. Her father, David Hobbs, was an academic at the University of Exeter, specializing in mathematics education, while her mother, Rosalind Hobbs, was a primary school teacher. Growing up in a household that valued education and intellectual pursuits, Hobbs was encouraged to pursue her interests in mathematics.
Hobbs attended Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton, Devon, where she received a solid foundation in mathematics. It was during her time at school that she developed a keen interest in mathematics and was inspired by her tutors, Christopher Zeeman and Caroline Series, who encouraged her to pursue further studies in the field.
In 1986, Hobbs enrolled at the University of Warwick for her undergraduate degree. During her time at Warwick, she honed her mathematical skills and became deeply involved in theoretical research. She was particularly drawn to the field of singularity theory as it offers a powerful framework for understanding and analyzing complex phenomena in the physical sciences.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Hobbs embarked on a Ph.D. at the University of Liverpool under the supervision of Chris Gibson. Her research focused on the application of singularity theory in robotics, where she explored the mathematical underpinnings of robot motion and control. Her work was groundbreaking, contributing to advancements in the field and earning her recognition as a leading expert in singularity theory.
Hobbs’ academic career began as a teaching fellow at the University of Nottingham from 1992 to 1994. She then moved to Oxford Brookes University, where she held various positions, including lecturer, senior lecturer, and head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences. From 2007, she served as the Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange, further showcasing her commitment to the advancement of mathematical research.
Throughout her career, Hobbs has been a passionate advocate for science policy, with a particular focus on supporting and empowering women in STEM fields. Her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity in academia has been instrumental in opening doors for aspiring female mathematicians.
In 2010, Hobbs assumed the role of Head of the Department of Engineering Design and Mathematics at the University of the West of England in Bristol, where she continued her academic leadership and research contributions. She later moved to Coventry University, where she currently serves as the Academic Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing.
Hobbs’ contributions to the mathematical community extend beyond her academic roles. She has held several prominent positions, including Chair of the Committee of Heads of Departments of Mathematical Sciences in the UK (HoDoMS) from 2014 to 2017 and Vice President of the London Mathematical Society since 2017. She is also a member of the Executive Committee for the set-up phase of a new UK Academy of Mathematical Sciences.
As a prolific researcher, Hobbs has published numerous papers in esteemed scientific journals. Her research interests span a wide range of topics, including applications of geometry to robotics, numerical computation of highly oscillatory integrals, and dynamical systems. One of her notable publications is the paper titled Bifurcations of the global stable set of a planar endomorphism near a cusp singularity, published in the International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos in Applied Sciences and Engineering.
Throughout her career, Catherine Hobbs has left an indelible mark on the field of mathematics. Her research contributions, dedication to science policy, and commitment to advancing women in STEM have earned her widespread recognition and admiration. She continues to inspire future generations of mathematicians through her valuable work and contributions to the academic community.