Aihaab Suleman
Monash University
Initially entering university thinking that I would go down the route of life sciences I was certain that a future in mathematics would not be for me. But here we are nonetheless. I am currently a fifth-year undergraduate (completing a Bachelor of Science majoring in Financial and Insurance Mathematics and minoring in Molecular Biology) student at Monash University completing my honours year. Initially university started off rough as the first few years were during the height of the pandemic lockdowns but as university started to open back up, I found myself going down a route I thought was quite unlikely. I started to enjoy my maths more and more than I did my life science units. So, to the dismay of many I majored in Mathematics. Now completing an honours year, I see myself with two paths laid out ahead of me. Either going down and pursuing a PhD or immersing myself in the world of industry where exciting new mathematical problems await me.
1. Can you give me a quick rundown about the type of mathematics you are studying and its potential impacts for the broader community (think how you would explain your work and studies to others who don’t study maths)
I study probability, statistics and mathematical finance. My research however focuses mainly on the field of Game Theory. My research has vast impacts in the world, which range from the social sciences, economics and market modelling and of course computer science. But to roughly summaries, it helps with algorithm design and deriving a set of best behaviors to a set of actions or scenarios.
2. How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
Soon after university became an in-person event again after the lockdowns I found myself drifting more and more to the maths department at Monash and their lectures. So I decided to ditch the life sciences completely and embrace a life of appreciating the beauty behind maths.
3. You received a Travel Grant to attend AMSI Summer School 2024. How important was this in terms of your ability to attend, fully participate in the program and meet others studying in similar fields?
If it had not been for the travel grant I would have been stuck in my home city of Melbourne and may have needed to do the courses I was taking online. Which after a few years of online university is certainly not what I wanted. I was fortunate enough to receive a travel grant and attended the summer school in person. It definitely is a highlight of my university experience, I got to meet so many new people from all over the country with various different backgrounds than mine and sometimes people with backgrounds that weren’t math! It is a huge advantage to attend the program in-person mainly because you get to foster a deeper connection with those people you already know and with those who you don’t.
4. What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
The most valuable part of the program were the talks and the careers day. The courses I took were also very eye-opening as they shed a different perspective on new and old things.
5. In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
I think I left a better person having attended the summer school. There are many benefits to the event, but to encapsulate it into one point, I’d say that being surrounded by like-minded and brilliant people also propels one to demand more of themselves and I think I do that to some extent.
6. Summer School included a special Careers Day program which aims to help give students an idea of the kinds of career paths available to maths graduates in industry and private sector research areas. Do you feel better equipped to explore career options in the mathematical sciences after attending AMSI Summer School?
From the careers day I now am able to deeply appreciate the various career paths that are available to graduates with a strong background in mathematics. But I am not too certain about whether I would dive straight into industry. The careers day at the summer school has definitely provided me with some insight as to which domain I would like to apply myself into, it certainly has to be quantitative!
7. What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2025? Should they apply and why?
I highly recommend appl eracting with those around you for a whole month is unmatched. The advice I’d give would be to get yourself out there and explore as much as you can the vast world of maths, meet new people and try to learn new things.
8. What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
I’m still undecided on whether I would like to go straight into industry after graduating or go down the route of further research and complete a PhD. I am content however, wherever life takes me, whether that be a PhD or industry. Both are viable options, in industry I would be exposed to a completely new domain and new problems which would be exciting to tackle. Whereas a PhD, would be furthering my knowledge and research and is something which is on my mind quite a lot.
9. How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
One of the highlights of the Summer School has to be the community that was present at the time. I connected with those with whom I shared lectures with and those who had completely different interests than mine. There were a few people who weren’t studying math and it was amazing to see the diversity of various different disciplines to which we were able to connect to math with.
10. Any other feedback/comments you would like to provide on the AMSI Travel Grant or AMSI Summer School 2024?
The travel grant was an exceptional opportunity for someone like myself who had gone through a rough start with university especially with the pandemic. For me, the travel rant allowed me to stay on campus and make the most out of the experience and make some excellent friends and memories.