Dr Alex Somto Arinze Alochukwu completed his PhD in Mathematics in 2021 from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), with a focus on graph theory and networks. Prior to joining UJ, he had completed an MSc in Computer Science from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN), another MSc in Mathematical Sciences from African Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Ghana and a BSc Hons in Mathematics from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria. His research interest is at the confluence of graph theory, mathematical modelling, combinatorics, and discrete optimization.  

Presently, Dr Alochukwu is a contract lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Faculty of Science at the University of Johannesburg. He has over seven years of teaching experience and has tutored a variety of mathematics, computer science and statistics courses.  He is also actively involved in research and mentoring of students. He is a recipient of several scholarship awards, research/training grants and have received recognitions based on his research and conference presentations.

Dr Alochukwu is passionate about applying the knowledge of mathematics and other STEM related discipline to solving many real-life problems. Community engagement (CE) is also one of his core passions. He is a member of the team organizing events to mark the International Day of Mathematics for year 2022. Since 2015, He has partnered with some non-governmental organizations like Moses Kotane Foundation, UKZN-CAES-PG Network, MathsClinic Johannesburg etc in organizing different community engagement and science programme for learners and students. In some of the CEs, he offered mathematics tutorials to grade 10 to 12 learners and gave a mentorship programme for undergraduate students. Currently, he contributes to the Soweto Science Centers for Grade 10 – Grade 12 mathematics lessons.