Jeffrey Santrio
Monash University
I am a fourth-year student at Monash University studying a Bachelor of Science and majoring in Pure Mathematics. I am doing an honours year in 2025 with my honours supervisor, Daniel Horsley. My project will be in fractional graph decomposition. I am an international student from Indonesia and started attending Monash in 2022. I aspire to do mathematics research possibly in academia.
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 am studying a pure mathematics subject called graph theory. Graphs model relationships/connections/networks in real life. For example, graphs can represent connections in train networks or relationships among a group of people. My honours project is on fractional graph decomposition, which studies the conditions in which we can decompose certain graphs into subgraphs with weighted edges. Graph decomposition has a lot of applications in graph algorithms and optimization, combinatorial design theory, and scheduling.
How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
I have always liked STEM subjects in high school, particularly physics. In university, I got really interested in the logical and rigorous arguments in pure mathematics. I really like how people construct proofs to establish universal statements about the world. Mathematicians discover things sometimes without having to make a single observation on the world around them (we can make all these concepts abstract and purely in our imagination, but they still apply to the real world). That got me intrigued in pure mathematics.
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?
It is definitely better to attend the program in-person. Not only are you able to better make friends and expand your connections more easily, you can also more easily participate in the tutorials and have discussions with lecturers, tutors, and fellow students. I also got the advantage of being able to travel to Sydney and visit new places, with flight cost covered by the grant.
What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
I enjoyed meeting new friends and hanging out with them. I also liked learning the new mathematical concepts and tools I gained from the Algebraic Knot Theory course.
In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
The knowledge and mathematical competency I gained from the course I took. I get to know more about the side of mathematics I’m not familiar with (knot theory), which interests me in studying it more. It might play a part in my profession in the future. The new friends and connections I formed are also important for me. These people are nice, caring, and similarly passionate in studying mathematics.
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?
I got to know more about industry and public sector careers related to mathematics. I like listening to the Careers Day presentation and how there are various representatives. I certainly feel better equipped to explore mathematical career options.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2026? Should they apply and why?
I really enjoyed Summer School. It was a very fun experience hanging out with new people, playing games, studying together, etc. You should definitely apply. There are interesting courses that might not be offered in your school. My lecturer is great and I heard the other lecturers are great too.
What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
I hope I can do research in Monash University and one day be an academic.
How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
Having friends in my mathematics study makes me able to not be bored while studying and gain insights about the course from my peers. We had a lot fun outside of studying by having board game sessions and going out together. Having a good lecturer and tutor helps me understand the math material better.\