The publication of Inverse Spectra in 1996 provided a fundamental framework for later topologists, synthesizing decades of research from the Fedorchuk-Schepin seminars at Moscow State University. Over a career that spanned from the Soviet Union to North America, Alexander Chigogidze contributed significantly to general and geometric topology, specifically regarding n-shape theory and noncompact nonmetrizable space extension.
Early Career and Education
Born in Tbilisi in 1955 to Tchola Chigogidze and Rusudan Chinchaladze, he pursued his initial mathematical training at Tbilisi State University. Following his graduation, he served as a senior research associate at the Georgian Academy of Sciences. He subsequently moved to Moscow State University, where he held a research position and completed his Doctor of Science degree, an advanced qualification that established his academic foundation in topology.
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Chigogidze's research focused on topology, functional analysis, operator algebras, and metric geometry. His work in general topology included developing an extension theory specifically for noncompact nonmetrizable spaces. Within geometric topology, he introduced grading to shape theory by creating n-shape theory, which acted as an addendum to existing n-homotopy theory. Throughout his tenure, he produced more than 100 research papers and two books.
Administrative and Academic Leadership
In 2003, he moved to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro to lead the Mathematical Sciences Department. As an H. Barton Excellence Professor, he redesigned the institution's undergraduate and graduate curricula while implementing numerous new courses. Later in his career, he served as the Dean of Science and Technology at the City University of New York, College of Staten Island. He also contributed to the editorial boards of the JP Journal of Geometry and Topology and the Tbilisi Mathematical Journal.
Fast facts
- Born: 1955, Tbilisi
- Died: 15 December 2014, New York City
- Doctoral degree: Moscow State University
- Academic focus: General and Geometric Topology
- Book publication: Inverse Spectra (1996)
- Positions held: Head of Mathematics, Dean of Science & Technology
- Total publications: Over 100 papers and 2 books
Questions readers ask
What is n-shape theory?
Developed by Chigogidze, it is a grading added to shape theory that functions as an extension of n-homotopy theory.
Where did Chigogidze teach?
He was a professor at the University of Saskatchewan, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and the City University of New York.
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