Mr Mkhize is currently studying towards a PhD in Applied Mathematics at the University of KwaZulu- Natal (UKZN), specializing in General Relativity. He is a full-time Lecturer in the Mathematical Sciences Department at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU). He obtained his Masters’ degree (Applied Mathematics-Cum Laude) in 2018 at the UKZN.

His research interests involve studying the impact of the Gauss—Bonnet and higher order Lovelock terms on the gravitational behaviour of stars. These are modified theories of gravitation. New models based on theories that include higher dimensions can give us new information about our universe. It will be possible to turn the higher curvature terms off and compare with the Einstein case. The importance of this experiment is that it can be checked if the higher curvature terms influence the behaviour of the model in any significant way. With the belief that where the Einstein equations give unphysical solutions, the extra terms may be tuned to generate solutions which harmonise with observed phenomena.

Mkhize has published a number of research articles in reputable journals from his Masters and PhD work between 2018 and 2022. Apart from teaching first-year to postgraduate modules at the UNIZULU, he serves as the Community Engagement Representative in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Moreover, he is a member of Astrophysical Research Center (ARC) at UKZN and SA-Astronomers since 2016. Recently, he has been awarded a 2023 Mathematical Science Early Career Fellowship by National Graduate Academy (NGA).

Email : [email protected]

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