Mark Berman
Diocesan College, 2001
DPhil Mathematics
Merton College
Currently Mathematics lecturer at the University of Cape Town
I started out life as a biochemist, doing honours and masters at the University of Cape Town. The chance to come to Oxford gave me the impetus to return to my original passion - mathematics. The switch was not an easy one but I can't imagine a better place to have done it - excited by the international melting pot, inspired by great mathematicians in my field, I haven't looked back.
To me Oxford represents a meeting of minds - both within each discipline and around the table at college meals. My college especially has been a fantastic place to learn about other subjects from enthusiastic and talented fellow students. I have made good friends here with whom I frequently go running, do indoor rock climbing and play tennis, squash and chamber music. In addition the physical environment is awesome. In maths one spends significant amounts of time mulling over difficult ideas, and often staring up at glowing stone towers has given me just the right inspiration. Oxford has also given me greater sensitivity to other cultures, which I know I will carry with me wherever I go.
For the next few years my path will be dictated by my mathematical appetite. The world leaders in my field are concentrated in Europe and the Middle East. Ultimately though I intend to return to South Africa invigorated and ready for a career in academia.