Kyle Yan
Monash University
I am a master’s student in financial mathematics from Monash University. I majored in mathematics as an undergraduate. During my undergraduate studies, I worked as a teaching assistant at HuBei University. I am interested in mathematics, especially after abstracting away the mathematical background from practical problems and observing phenomena by solving mathematical problems.
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)
The field I’m studying is financial mathematics, which focuses on mathematical models in the context of financial problems. Last semester I learned the black-scholes model to price European options. My main learning content is the mathematical concepts behind some financial products, such as some random processes, such as the Poission process, Brownian motion, random walk, and martingale and their mathematical properties, which classic mathematical theorems, conclusions and their connections between.
How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
When I was in junior high school, I met a teacher who made me fall in love with mathematics. He patiently classified and explained to me the solutions to some geometric problems and algebraic equations. Let me experience the fun of solving mathematical problems for the first time.It allowed me to go from being a person who hated mathematics to embarking on the path of mathematics today.
You received a Travel Grant to attend AMSI Summer School 2025. How important was this in terms of your ability to attend, fully participate in the program and meet others studying in similar fields? Do you think it was an advantage to attend the program in-person?
I have to thank AMSI because renting in Sydney is really too expensive. That’s also why I didn’t choose to go to university in Sydney. I definitely agree with personal participation. That kind of physical interaction between people cannot be achieved through a computer screen. We have many interesting activities games, and we meet many interesting people who hold the same interest.
What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
For me, one is that the content of the class gave me a more systematic understanding of the machine learning, and also allowed me to get to know the professor in this field. The second is that through AMSI this month I met some friends who are doing research. It makes me more convinced of what kind of job I want to do deep down in my heart.
In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
Expand your social circle and learn about topics that interest you.
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?
After meeting people who are full of industrial experience, it became clearer to me which skills would be more helpful for me to find a job after graduating from the Department of Mathematics. In addition to logic training, it is mainly about the processing and analysis of some data to help make decisions that will be more practical.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2026? Should they apply and why?
First of all, I would like to apply again if possible. I recommend paying more attention to the course information on the official website. If there is a topic that interests you, please don’t hesitate to apply boldly. Maybe, you will be the lucky one getting the prize.
What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
While studying more in-depth courses, look for opportunities to do research.
How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
Make me more confident and able to keep in touch with more people with the same interests.
Any other feedback/comments you would like to provide on the AMSI Travel Grant or AMSI Summer, School 2025?
Thanks to AMSI for letting me meet these friends and hear from the professionals speaking. It makes me more convinced of where I should go.