Becky Armstrong

Dr. Becky Armstrong is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the School of Mathematics and Statistics at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. She holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Sydney (2019) and degrees from the University of Wollongong, including a Bachelor of Mathematics Advanced (Honours) and Bachelor of Computer Science. Her research focuses on operator algebras, C*-algebras, and their connections to groupoids and topological structures. She has held academic positions at institutions including the University of Münster, Germany, and the University of Sydney, Australia.

Education:

• PhD in Mathematics, University of Sydney (2016–2019)
• Bachelor of Mathematics Advanced (Honours, Class I, University Medal), University of Wollongong (2014)
• Bachelor of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Wollongong (2013)

Research Interests:

Becky’s research explores the interplay between C*-algebras, groupoids, and topological higher-rank graphs. She investigates properties like simplicity under cohomological twists and their implications for algebraic structures. Her work bridges operator algebras with algebraic topology and category theory.

Awards & Grants:

• Marsden Fund Fast-Start Grant (2025–2027): Principal Investigator for a project on twisted groupoid algebras.
• Lift-Off Fellowship (2019): Awarded by the Australian Mathematical Society.
• Cheryl E. Praeger Travel Award (2018): Supported international collaboration.
• Recipient of multiple travel and research grants from institutions like the Heidelberg Laureate Forum and the Simons Foundation.

Advising & Grants:

Becky supervises doctoral and honors students, including Malcolm Jones (MSc) and Phoebe McDougall (BSc Honours). She leads or co-leads research projects on twisted algebras and groupoid theories, supported by grants from the ARC, Royal Society of New Zealand, and others.

Labs & Collaboration:

Her work is part of collaborative networks in operator algebras, including international partnerships with researchers at the University of Münster and the University of Sydney.