Stellenbosch University earns PhD in mathematics, dedicates achievement to her late father
Graduating against the odds, Daniella Moore earned her PhD in honour of her late father, turning grief into a lasting tribute.
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As Daniella Moore approached the final stretch of her PhD in Mathematics at Stellenbosch University, she was preparing to close a chapter years in the making. Instead, she was forced to confront an unimaginable loss.
Her father, Stephen, died suddenly earlier this year from a ruptured aneurysm, just weeks before she was due to complete her doctorate. What should have been a moment of triumph became one of grief and uncertainty.
“For a time, completing the last stretch of my PhD felt impossible,” Moore said. “Losing my dad left me feeling very alone and helpless.”
It is this moment, when everything seemed to unravel, that now defines her journey.
Moore grew up in Hout Bay, where a close-knit family environment and an early curiosity about how things work shaped her path. Her father, a software developer, played a central role in that journey.
“He loved building things with me as a kid,” she said. “That sparked my interest in the sciences.”
That early spark became a steady passion. From primary school, where she recalls enjoying mathematics as early as Grade 1, through her years at Herzlia Constantia and later Cedar House, the subject remained a constant.
“I always knew that I wanted to study mathematics,” she said.
Her academic journey unfolded naturally, one degree leading to the next, driven by a genuine love for the subject. By the time she reached her doctorate, Moore had spent years immersed in abstract algebra, focusing her research on near-vector spaces, a generalisation of vector spaces that demands patience, precision and sustained concentration.
Then, suddenly, everything changed.
The loss of her father brought her progress to a halt. In the months that followed, even daily routines became difficult as she tried to navigate her grief.
“I felt like giving up, even though I was so close to the finish line,” she said.
What carried her through was the memory of her father and the belief he had always shown in her.
“My dad was a gentle and sweet soul. He always believed in me and was proud of me,” Moore said. “I kept reminding myself that he would have wanted me to finish my degree.”
That belief became a source of quiet determination.
“I reminded myself that even though my dad is no longer physically here, he is still watching over me and will always be proud of me,” she said.
Gradually, she found a way forward, returning to her research and completing the final stages of her PhD.
She did not do so alone. Moore credits her mother, Sharon, her brothers, her partner Rysiu Moscicki, and close friends for helping her through the most difficult period of her studies.
“They supported me with reassuring words and even helped with everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning or walking my dog,” she said.
Her academic supervisors, Professor Sophie Marques and Professor Zurab Janelidze, also provided support and understanding during this time.
Beyond her research, Moore said her time at Stellenbosch University taught her how to navigate both academic and personal challenges.
“The University taught me how to handle difficult situations, both academic and personal. I learnt how to persevere, remain positive and trust that everything will work out,” she said.
Among her fondest memories is a moment from her first week on campus, sitting on the Rooiplein and meeting fellow student Emma Theart, who would go on to become one of her closest friends and is now also graduating with a PhD in Mathematics.
Although Moore had initially planned to pursue a career in academia, she has decided to take a different path and move into the technology sector, where she hopes to build on her mathematical training through programming.
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