PhD in Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, Michaelmas Term 2023

Nainwal, Mr Gaurav

Postgraduate Application Form

Postgraduate Admissions Office

Nainwal, Mr Gaurav
Course PhD in Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics Date submitted
Department Faculty of Mathematics;Department of Pure Mathematics Mode of study Full Time
and Mathematical Statistics;
Course start date 01 Oct 2023 (MT 2023) PUF No

Academic History

Sep 2013 - Sep 2018
Jul 2002 - Nov 2006
MMath, BSc. in Mathematics Hon. University of Leeds (United Kingdom)
(Mathematics) Class I
Bachelor of Engineering in First Anna University (India)
Electronics and Communication Class
(Information and Communication)

Research

Proposed supervisor Dr Alexei Kovalev

Proposed research title(s) Differential Geometry

Research Summary 84/1500 chars

I am open to working on any project with links to Riemanninan Geometry and Analysis.

Immigration

Nationality India (1st)

Country of birth India
Currently ordinarily India
resident
Visa Required
Visa type I do not currently have a UK visa

Adverse Affects of COVID 489/2000 chars

After completing the MMath course in Sep 2018, I decided to work for a couple of years to pay off a part of my education
loan. My plan was to start a PhD in September 2020, but due to COVID-19, I decided to delay applying for a PhD till the
situation became better. I also had to return to India in May 2021, when COVID-19 was at its peak there, to be with my
parents because they were all alone. The situation has eased here since June 2022, and I'm now in a position to apply
for a PhD.

Scholarships

Apply for funding Yes

Apply for Cambridge Trust Yes
Apply for Gates Cambridge Yes

* Document not uploaded at the point of submission

** Other university

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PhD in Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, Michaelmas Term 2023
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Research Experience
1441/1500 chars

My MMath final year project was on Riemannian geometry, for which I had to do a lot of independent learning since I had
not previously studied some of the prerequisites like Manifolds, Multivariable Analysis, Advanced Linear Algebra, etc.
Apart from the prerequisites, the subject had a lot of new mathematical machinery of its own, making the learning curve
pretty steep. However, I absolutely loved this challenge and studied the subject from scratch, studying the relevant
prerequisites as and when they were needed. I especially liked how ideas from multivariable analysis, like
differentiability, could be extended to abstract manifolds. Another thing that caught my imagination was the motivation
behind various definitions, especially that of the Riemann curvature, whose tensor components were shown to have all
the information about how two parallelly transported vector fields along two different paths, with same starting and end
points, such that the vector fields have the same vector at the starting point, fail to have the same vector at the end point,
in the case of manifolds with intuitively non-zero curvature. However, there were also times when I was struggling to
make progress due to it being my first exposure to this advanced topic, time constraints, and pressure of examinations
for taught modules. But, with persistence, I became used to the new terrain and eventually did very well in the project,
scoring 81/100.

Curriculum Vitae

CV.pdf

Career Goals
984/1000 chars

I want to make a career in research in Differential Geometry. In particular, I am interested in Riemannian Geometry and
its connections with other areas of mathematical research. To this end, I made sure during my integrated master's
degree programme that I have the right mathematical background. Thus, I studied every module on Geometry and
Analysis that was on offer, topping it up with my final year project on Riemannian Geometry. The way forward, as I see it,
is getting a PhD position first to have some supervised research experience; and after successful completion of the PhD,
I would like to continue with postgraduate research to hone my independent research skills. In the long term, I want to be
a productive researcher contributing towards the advancement of mathematics. I would also love to bring some cutting-
edge research to my home country, which is still a developing nation, and play my role in its development by bringing my
specialized skill set to the table.

Additional Information to Support Application

853/1000 chars

During the third year of my four-year MMath programme, I had some health related and personal issues (I was getting
separated from my wife) because of which I couldn't perform well in a lot of modules. However, the university, knowing
my situation and my potential based on my past performance (I was one of the top 10 students in my year in the previous
year), granted me another year, as a first attempt, but as an external student. I didn't have access to classroom teaching
during this time, but I did my own independent study based on the lecture notes and improved my scores considerably.
The personal problems continued into the final year, but I had access to professional help, so my final year wasn't
affected much. Despite these factors, I still got a first class in the end. More importantly, I performed very well in the final
year project.

Course Specific Questions

Core - reasons for applying At the University of Cambridge, I would like to go deeper into my study of
topics from my MMath final year project on Riemannian Geometry, and
explore their possible connections with other areas of research. Since
Cambridge is one of the best universities in the world, especially in
Mathematics, it will provide me with an opportunity to learn from, interact and
share ideas with a wide spectrum of top researchers in Differential Geometry.
There is some interesting research happening in Cambridge in the field of
Differential Geometry, like that of Dr Alexei Kovalev, whose research
interests, like study of differential-geometric structures that are solutions of
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PhD in Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, Michaelmas Term 2023
Nainwal, Mr Gaurav

partial differential equations on manifolds, have close connections with my

skill set in Riemannian Geometry. Apart from my knowledge, I bring a “never
give up” attitude essential for a researcher. Many times, during my project, I
was struggling to make progress due to it being my first exposure to this
advanced topic, time constraints, pressure of examinations, etc. However, I
didn’t give up and ultimately did very well in the project. I firmly believe that
with my background knowledge, curiosity, a deep desire to learn and
innovate, and ability to remain persistent in times of slow progress, I will be
able to successfully contribute towards the university’s high quality research
output. Doing a PhD from such a reputed institution will also boost my future
career as a researcher and open more avenues of research for me.

Application Information
Academic Awards

Top 10 Scholarship Scholarship for ranking in the top 10 of all Year 2 30 Sep 2015 £1,000.00
students in the School of Mathematics

Employment History

May 2019 - May 2021 Maths Cover Supervisor Ralph Thoresby School (Leeds, United
Kingdom)

Other Applications Made

No other applications entered

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Nainwal, Mr Gaurav

Personal Information
Identifying Information

Full name Nainwal, Mr Gaurav Date of birth 12 Nov 1984

Previous name Legal gender Male

Contact

Email nainwalgaurav@gmail.com Phone +917900943002 (1st)

Skype address
Contact address 133 Durgapuri, Ramnagar, District-- Home address Same as contact address
Nainital, Uttarakhand, Ramnagar, Valid until
Uttaranchal, 244715, India
Valid until

Dependants

Partner WILL NOT bring partner Child WILL NOT bring children

Disability

Disability No disability
Further information

Adjustment for Interview

Adjustment required No
Details

College Preferences Current Membership

College Trinity College (1st) College Not College member

King's College (2nd)

Visa Requirement

Visa type I do not currently have a UK visa

Study Visas

Applicant previously STUDIED in the UK

Visa type Student Visa (including Tier 4) Start date 06 Sep 2013
Qualification level Level 07: Masters Degree, PGCert., PGDip., PGCE End date 01 Nov 2017

Visa type Student Visa (including Tier 4) Start date 13 Sep 2017
Qualification level Level 07: Masters Degree, PGCert., PGDip., PGCE End date 05 Dec 2018

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Funding Application

Cambridge Trust

You will automatically be considered by the Trust for any awards for which you are eligible.

No identified awards.

Gates Cambridge Scholarships (Overseas)

Apply for Gates Cambridge Yes

US citizen No
Research proposal

Personal Statement 2971/3000 chars

I have a first-class bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Anna University, India; and a
first-class honours integrated master’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Leeds, UK. I was awarded the “Top
10 Scholarship” after the second year of my integrated master’s degree, for being one of the top ten undergraduate
students in the school of Mathematics during the academic year 2014-15. I also secured Class I (81/100) in my final year
project on Riemannian Geometry, which is the highest classification on a study project. At Cambridge, I would like to
develop the ideas I gathered during my project and explore their connections with related or other hot research topics in
Geometry. The research at Cambridge in the field of Differential Geometry, like that of Dr Alexei Kovalev, whose
research interests include the study of differential-geometric structures that are solutions of partial differential equations
on manifolds, has close connections with my skill set in Riemannian Geometry. An opportunity to study for a supervised
PhD at a prestigious university like Cambridge will allow for the maximum development of my research abilities and will
result in my giving the best I can offer to advance research in the field of Differential Geometry. I am from India, which is
a developing country. Thus, a PhD from Cambridge will allow me to bring some cutting-edge research to my home
country, and I will be able to play my part in the country’s further development, by collaborating with other researchers
and volunteers who are working day and night, playing an active role in the advancement of this vibrant developing
nation. My work experience includes working at many leadership positions and roles, like being the Relationship
Manager, organizing science fairs and training students to prepare project proposals for them, and providing training to
students in effective public speaking and presentation skills at Unity Public School, Chennai, India. I was also a volunteer
at an NGO in Bangalore, India, where I helped organize events and deliver public talks on eradicating social malpractices
in India, and fostering communal harmony between various religiously diverse communities of the city. At the University
of Leeds, I was one of the PAL (peer assisted learning) mentors, during my third year, where I assisted first year
Mathematics students in learning and making a smooth transition to university level Mathematics in a relaxed
environment, often sharing experiences from my initial years at the university with them. I firmly believe that my sound
academic background, and rich and successful leadership experience of the past are excellent evidence that I will be
able to use my research experience at Cambridge to further mathematical research and to have a positive influence on
the lives of many needy people. I just need one opportunity and Gates Cambridge Scholarship can be that stepping
stone.

Harding Scholarship

Based on the information you have provided, you are eligible to apply for these awards.

Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme

The Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme (HDPSP) was established in February 2019 thanks to an
extraordinarily generous donation from the David and Claudia Harding Foundation, the biggest single gift made to a
university in the UK by a British philanthropist.
Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholarships provide the most talented PhD students with life-changing
opportunities to research and study at the University of Cambridge. These fully funded Scholarships support
academically outstanding PhD students from any part of the world, and in any discipline, to contribute to society by
producing intellectually rigorous research which makes a positive difference to the academic community and beyond. At
least 25 Scholarships are awarded each year.

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Nainwal, Mr Gaurav

Students applying for '1+3' model courses will also be considered for this Programme.

You have applied for Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme

Please explain if your research fits

with any of the interdisciplinary areas
listed in the guidance.

UKRI

Based on the information you have provided in the 'About You' section, there is nothing additional for you to complete at
this stage. There may be additional funds available that require a separate application outside of this system; it is
advised that you use the Postgraduate Funding Search (at https://www.student-funding.cam.ac.uk/) to identify these
funds and apply directly following the guidance provided.

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership

You faculty/department must nominate you for an ESRC award. We do not take direct applications.
If your Department nominates you for an ESRC DTP studentship, you will be asked to complete an additional form
detailing your previous training and experience (Training Needs Analysis form).
For more information about the application process please visit our webpage: Application Process | ESRC Doctoral
Training Partnership for Social Sciences (cam.ac.uk)

Department Funding

Based on the information you have provided in the 'About You' section, there is nothing additional for you to complete at
this stage. There may be additional funds available that require a separate application outside of this system; it is
advised that you use the Postgraduate Funding Search (at https://www.student-funding.cam.ac.uk/) to identify these
funds and apply directly following the guidance provided.

College Funding

Based on the information you have provided, you are eligible to apply for these awards.

Girton Irene Hallinan Scholarship

The Irene Hallinan Scholarship is open to all students in any subject. We welcome applications from anyone, with the
understanding that successful candidates of this award become members of Girton College.

You have applied for Girton Irene Hallinan Scholarship

Girton Joyce Biddle Scholarship

The Joyce Biddle Scholarship is open to all students in any subject. We welcome applications from anyone, with the
understanding that successful candidates of this award become members of Girton College.

You have applied for Girton Joyce Biddle Scholarship

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PhD in Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, Michaelmas Term 2023
Nainwal, Mr Gaurav

Girton Postgraduate Research Scholarships

The Girton Postgraduate Research Scholarship is open to all students in any subject. We welcome applications from
anyone, with the understanding that successful candidates of this award become members of Girton College.

You have applied for Girton Postgraduate Research Scholarships

Krishnan-Ang Studentship for Overseas Students in the Natural Sciences

Krishnan-Ang Studentships are intended to support outstanding Overseas candidates who wish to undertake a PhD in
Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge.
Krishnan-Ang Studentships are funded by generous donations from Eashwar Viswanathan Krishnan and Tzo Tze Ang
who were both undergraduates at Trinity College: Eashwar read Natural Sciences (Matric. 1996) and Tzo Tze read
Electrical & Information Sciences (Matric. 1997).

You have applied for Krishnan-Ang Studentship for Overseas Students in the Natural Sciences

Tom Howat PhD Studentship in Mathematics

The Tom Howat PhD Studentship in Mathematics will support an outstanding candidate undertaking PhD research in the
field of Mathematics. The studentship is funded by a generous donation made by Dr T J Howat (Trinity College Matric.
1999).
Eligible applicants must have applied for admission, or already received an offer of admission, to the University of
Cambridge for the PhD in Mathematics. Home or Overseas graduates of any university may apply.

You have applied for Tom Howat PhD Studentship in Mathematics

Your Funding
Funding Sources

No funding sources entered

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Not circulated to department

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Protected

Ethnicity Asian - Indian or Indian British Sexual Orientation Heterosexual or straight

Religion/Belief No religion

Secondary Education

2nd Education No Care Leaver

School Type Caring Responsibilities
Postcode at 17 Parents HE
Free Meals

Passport

Passport number U0555981

Start/Expiry date 11 Nov 2020 / 10 Nov 2030

Declaration

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the right to refuse admission in the event of any misrepresentation by you. Submission of an application does not imply
an offer of admission.

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Commonwealth, European and International Trust (and their collaborators) will use your personal information for the
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process, please see How we use your personal information (for applicants).
• I certify that all the information given in this application is complete and accurate. I also understand that if I have
given false or misleading information, the University of Cambridge will not admit me as a Postgraduate student and may
take legal action against me.
• I certify that I am the original and sole author of all work submitted as part of this application, except where clearly
indicated otherwise.
• I understand that if my application is unsuccessful, the papers relating to it will be destroyed and cannot be returned.

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