Dylan Holland
The University of Adelaide
I recently completed a bachelor’s degree in mathematical sciences at the University of Adelaide and am commencing a Master’s degree this year in the field of Differential Geometry.
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)
My project is studying the Lorentzian Lichnerowitz conjecture in Differential Geometry. This is a conjecture about the conformal transformations of Lorentzian manifolds.
How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
When I was in Year 11, my school maths teach was really impressive and helped me develop a love for maths.
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 wouldn’t have been able to attend without the grant and the opportunity to meet others studying in similar and different fields was invaluable. I hope I have made important connections as well as learning from the course. The in-person program was also valuable in that I was able to work together with others who had differing perspectives to complete the course.
What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
I would say the most valuable part of the program was the opportunity to meet other participants and lean about their perspectives and knowledge.
In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
I hope that I will maintain the contacts at other universities around the country and that this can help as I move forwards in my career.
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?
Absolutely, I had the impression that the opportunities for mathematics in industry were in data or statistics but I saw several examples of model development and similar applications of mathematics in industry which are very interesting.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2026? Should they apply and why?
When I applied, I would say that I didn’t expect it to be nearly as fun as it turned out to be. I would say, if you are at all interested in further study, you should definitely apply.
What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
I am interested in pursuing a Phd, potentially overseas in mathematics.
How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
I think the connections I have formed with the other participants are probably the most valuable benefit from the experience. I hope these connections last and that in the future, I am able to meet back up and reconnect when we are in the same city.
Any other feedback/comments you would like to provide on the AMSI Travel Grant or AMSI Summer School 2025?
Just a thanks for the experience.