Dr. Abdalla Mansur has spent his life exploring the patterns that shape the universe. From the motion of planets to the way data flows through technology, he believes mathematics is the key to understanding the world.
Based in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, Dr. Mansur is a mathematician, researcher, and educator. His work focuses on dynamical systems and differential equations, with a special interest in N-body problems—complex equations that describe how objects move under gravitational forces. His journey has taken him across continents, teaching and researching in Canada, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Libya.
A Life of Learning
Dr. Mansur grew up in Libya but moved to Canada over 20 years ago. He earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Queen’s University, where he developed a deep passion for solving complex mathematical problems. “I’ve always been fascinated by how numbers explain the world,” he says. “Mathematics is the foundation of science, technology, and even nature itself.”
Over the years, he has taught at many universities, including Laurentian University, the Royal Military College of Canada, Al Ain University, and Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. He also served as a visiting assistant professor at the University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, from 2014 to 2015. Dr. Mansur later joined the Higher Colleges of Technology in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 2018 to 2020, where he worked as an assistant professor. Most recently, he served as an assistant professor at the University of Bani Waleed in Libya from 2020 to 2023. Currently, he continues his research and teaching as an assistant professor at the Libyan Center for Engineering Research and Information Technology.
The Power of Patterns
Mathematics is more than calculations—it is a way to recognize and predict patterns. Dr. Mansur is particularly interested in how mathematical laws govern the natural world.
“Look at the spirals in a sunflower, the shape of galaxies, or even the way we schedule traffic lights,” he explains. “There’s a mathematical structure behind everything.”
One of the most famous examples is the Fibonacci sequence, a series of numbers found in nature, art, and even financial markets. Another is the golden ratio, a proportion seen in architecture, design, and biological systems.
Teaching and Making Math Accessible
Dr. Mansur is passionate about making math easier to understand. Early in his teaching career, he realized that many students struggled with abstract concepts.
“I used to teach straight from the textbook, but I quickly learned that real-world examples make all the difference,” he says.
Now, he uses interactive methods to show how math applies to everyday life. Whether it’s explaining statistics through sports analytics or demonstrating physics with simple experiments, he believes in making learning engaging.
His recent teaching experience includes a virtual assistant professor role at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, where he taught Sampling Theory (STAT512). He also led a LaTeX workshop for researchers in Libya, helping scholars improve their academic writing.
Mathematics in the Digital Age
As technology advances, mathematics is playing a bigger role than ever. Artificial intelligence, cryptography, and big data analysis all rely on complex mathematical algorithms.
“I’m excited about how AI is changing research,” Dr. Mansur says. “We can now process huge amounts of data in ways that were impossible just a few years ago.”
One of his interests is how AI can assist in mathematical problem-solving. Machines can now identify patterns in massive datasets, generate proofs, and even create models for real-world applications.
Overcoming Challenges
Like many in academia, Dr. Mansur has faced obstacles. One of his biggest challenges was adapting to different teaching environments across multiple countries.
“Each place has its own way of learning,” he explains. “In some regions, students rely heavily on memorization, while others encourage problem-solving and discussion.”
To bridge these differences, he has worked on developing flexible teaching strategies that can be adapted to different cultures and educational systems.
The Future of Math and Education
What’s next for Dr. Mansur? He hopes to continue his research in dynamical systems while mentoring the next generation of mathematicians. He is also interested in how mathematical models can be used to solve global problems, from climate change to financial stability.
“I believe mathematics will be at the heart of future discoveries,” he says. “It’s not just about numbers—it’s about solving the world’s biggest challenges.”
Dr. Mansur’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity and dedication. Whether through research, teaching, or technology, he remains committed to making mathematics accessible and meaningful for everyone.
