Dr Alex Corner PhD MMath PGCert LTHE FHEA
Senior Lecturer
Summary
I completed my MMath degree at the University of Sheffield in 2012 before obtaining a PhD there in my research area of category theory. I have been involved in teaching mathematics for a wide range of students: mathematics, computer science, cyber security, engineering, and economics. My current teaching focuses on discrete mathematics for computer science students, as well as mathematics and cryptography for cyber security students.
About
I completed my MMath degree at the University of Sheffield in 2012 before obtaining a PhD there in higher-dimensional category theory. Throughout my time there I was involved in teaching for mathematics and engineering courses, as well as teaching at the university's International College.
Since joining Sheffield Hallam University in 2016 I have taught primarily on the mathematics course, as well as providing mathematics teaching for computing, economics, and engineering courses. My current teaching focuses on discrete mathematics for computer science students, as well as mathematics and cryptography for cyber security students.
My research focus has moved back to category theory, a field of pure mathematics which serves to describe abstract patterns and generalities in mathematics itself. I am interested in low-dimensional higher category theory, operads, monoidal categories, and coherence problems. I have further research interests in mathematics education, specifically including inclusive practice in teaching mathematics and learner identity.
Category Theory, Mathematics Education
Teaching
School of Computing and Digital Technologies
College of Business, Technology and Engineering
Fundamentals of Mathematics and Computer Architectures
Introduction to Cyber Security, Mathematics and Cryptography
Computer Science and Software Engineering
Courses:
BSc Computer Science
BSc Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence
BSc Cyber Security
BSc Cyber Security with Forensics
BSc Mathematics
Modules:
Number and Structure
Game Theory and Recreational Mathematics
Statistical Theory and Methods
Mathematics for Computer Science
Publications
Journal articles
Cheng, E., & Corner, A. (2024). Weak vertical composition II: totalities. Theory and Applications of Categories, 41 (31), 995-1043. http://www.tac.mta.ca/tac/volumes/41/31/41-31abs.html
Cheng, E., & Corner, A. (2024). Weak vertical composition. Theory and Applications of Categories, 42 (10), 222-262. http://www.tac.mta.ca/tac/volumes/42/10/42-10abs.html
Steckles, K., Ketnor, C., Porter, R., Shukie, A., & Corner, A.S. (2024). Lecturers don’t know everything: students listening to the thought processes of lecturers on unfamiliar ground. Teaching Mathematics and Its Applications. http://doi.org/10.1093/teamat/hrae008
Rowlett, P., & Corner, A. (2021). Flexible, student-centred remote learning for programming skills development. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 53 (3), 619-626. http://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2021.1989067
Rowlett, P., & Corner, A.S. (2021). Topics of interest to the MSOR community: evidence from the first 20 years of MSOR Connections. MSOR Connections, 19 (2), 55-74. http://doi.org/10.21100/msor.v19i2.1256
Rowlett, P., Smith, E., Corner, A., O'Sullivan, D., & Waldock, J. (2019). The potential of recreational mathematics to support the development of mathematical learning. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 50 (7), 972-986. http://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2019.1657596
Corner, A. (2019). A universal characterisation of codescent objects. Theory and Applications of Categories, 34 (24), 684-713. http://www.tac.mta.ca/tac/volumes/34/24/34-24.pdf
Corner, A., & Cornock, C. (2018). Applications and props: the impact on engagement and understanding. MSOR Connections, 17 (1), 3-15. http://doi.org/10.21100/msor.v17i1.908
Corner, A.S., & Gurski, N. (2013). Operads with general groups of equivariance, and some 2-categorical aspects of operads in Cat. .
Book chapters
Rowlett, P., & Corner, A.S. (2023). Flexible, student-centred remote learning for programming skills development. In Takeaways from Teaching through a Pandemic. (pp. 61-68). Routledge: http://doi.org/10.4324/9781032627496-8
Presentations
Corner, A. (2025). Operads, Equivariance, and Pseudo-Commutativity. Presented at: 110th Peripatetic Seminar on Sheaves and Logic, Tallinn, 2025
Corner, A. (2024). A higher-dimensional Eckmann–Hilton argument. Presented at: Categorical Logic and Higher Categories, University of Manchester, 2024
Corner, A. (2024). Operads and Equivariance. Presented at: Algebraic Topology Seminar, University of Sheffield
Corner, A. (2024). A higher-dimensional Eckmann–Hilton argument. Presented at: International Category Theory Conference CT2024, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
Corner, A., & Cheng, E. (2023). Weak vertical composition. Presented at: Algebraic Topology Seminar, University of Sheffield
Rowlett, P., & Corner, A. (2022). Games that you don't realise that you're not playing. Presented at: 24 Hour Maths Game Show
Rowlett, P., & Corner, A.S. (2021). What is our community talking about? Evidence from the first 20 years of MSOR Connections. Presented at: CETL-MSOR Conference 2021, Coventry University
Rowlett, P., & Corner, A. (2021). Teaching and assessing unseen problem-solving when exams are taken online at home. Presented at: Planning ahead with a bag of new tricks, what does this mean for your mathematics teaching?
Rowlett, P., Smith, E., Corner, A., O'Sullivan, D., & Waldock, J. (2019). The potential of recreational mathematics to support the development of mathematical learning. Presented at: The 12th Southern Hemisphere Delta Conference on the teaching and learning of undergraduate mathematics and statistics, Fremantle, Australia
Rowlett, P., Corner, A., O'Sullivan, D., Smith, E., & Waldock, J. (2019). Game Theory & Recreational Mathematics: A module to develop problem-solving skills. Presented at: Faculty of STA Learning, Teaching and Assessment Conference 2019, Sheffield Hallam University
Corner, A., Rowlett, P., Smith, E., O'Sullivan, D., & Waldock, J. (2019). Game Theory and Recreational Mathematics: A module to develop problem-solving skills. Presented at: CETL-MSOR Conference 2019, Dublin City University
Posters
Corner, A., & Cheng, E. (2023). Weak vertical composition: totalities. Presented at: International Category Theory Conference 2023, Université catholique de Louvain, 2023