Kalpa Thudewaththage

Kalpa Thudewaththage is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Widener University. He holds a PhD in Algebraic Geometry from Southern Illinois University (2021), with a thesis titled "Classification of left eigenvalues of octonionic Hermitian matrices". His research focuses on algebra, geometry, and topology, with a particular emphasis on applications of octonions and quaternions in physics and computer science. He has also mentored undergraduate research in statistics, numerical analysis, differential equations, and computational mathematics.

Educations:

• PhD in Algebraic Geometry, Southern Illinois University (2021)
• MS in Algebraic Geometry, Southern Illinois University (2017)
• BSc in Mathematics, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2013)

Research Interests: Explores algebraic structures (Clifford algebras, octonions), geometric applications in physics and CS, and undergraduate research areas like statistics and numerical analysis. He actively publishes in mathematics and interdisciplinary fields.

Awards:

• John M.H. Olmsted Outstanding Ph.D. Teaching Assistant Award (2019-2020)

Teaching & Advising: Taught courses in statistics, calculus, and finite mathematics at Widener and Southern Illinois University. Known for excellence in teaching, reflected in student evaluations and the Olmsted award. Previously served as a Teaching Assistant, Lecturer, and Instructor at the University of Peradeniya and SIU.