Dr Andrew Neate

Professional biography

I originally studied for a PhD in Stochastic Analysis at Swansea University before working in the insurance industry. I returned to academia in 2007 as a Lecturer and then Senior Lecturer in Mathematics at Swansea University including acting as the Programme Director for the Department of Mathematics from 2018-2021. I joined the Open University in 2021 as a Staff Tutor.

Research interests

My background is in probability theory and stochastic analysis together with their application to problems from mathematical physics. In the past I have worked on Feynman-Kac formula representations of the solutions of stochastic Burgers, Hamilton-Jacobi and heat equations in the limit of vanishing viscosity. I have also worked on the correspondence limit of stationary states in the context of stochastic mechanics with a particular focus on the Coulomb problem.

Currently, as well as working in stochastic analysis, I am also involved in several projects applying probability theory to modelling in animal movement and foraging and also in mathematics education research with projects looking at the transition from school to university mathematics and online teaching and outreach.

Teaching interests

I have written and taught courses in many areas of applied mathematics including classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, analytical dynamics, electromagnetics, mathematical modelling, differential equations, numerical analysis and probability theory. I have also been involved in scholarship projects to enhance employability skill development in mathematics degree programmes, to enhance mathematical communication skills for mathematics students, and develop student's mathematical modelling skills.

Currently I am Chair of the module MST124 "Essential Mathematics 1" and am on the module teams for MS327 "Deterministic and stochastic dynamics" and M343 "Applications of Probability".

Impact and engagement

I am the External Engagement Co-Lead for the School of Mathematics and Statistics and organise outreach events for the School across the UK. 

I have been involved in mathematics outreach work throughout my career and have regularly worked in collaboration with the Further Mathematics Support Programme Wales. In particular I have delivered workshops and masterclasses across Wales, participated in the Urdd Eisteddfod and Swansea Science Festival and regularly presented at the Royal Institute Maths Masterclass series in South West Wales. 

External collaborations

I am currenlty an external examiner at the University of the West of England.

I am a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.