Jerry Mahajan
Australian National University
Hi, I’m Jerry, an honours student at the ANU. Within mathematics, my interests lie in probability theory and algebra, outside of mathematics I’m interested in computer science, Badminton, Trading and making travel related YouTube videos! You’ll often find me either on the court or mugged up in the library! I love exploring new places and meeting new people!
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’m studying the intersection of probability theory and Algebra, thinking about different mathematical structures that we can treat randomly and what kind of similar behaviour we see across objects.
How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
I really enjoyed mathematics in school and always loved maths competitions and puzzles, this naturally led me into maths. I picked up some books on number theory and problem solving and never looked back since !
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?
The Travel Grant was hugely important to me to attend the event and I would not have been able to study and learn as successfully without it. Having the opportunity to stay and learn alongside a group of really incredible peers strengthened my ability to master the concepts being taught and think outside the box. The late night spent doing assignments together in the dorm rooms were a great boon to my learning. The support I got from the lectures and the tutorial in person were very successful in clarifying my doubts and consolidating my understanding
What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
The most valuable parts of the program were the tutorials where I got to learn alongside my peers and be challenged as well as the extras throughout the program such as the career’s fair and social event which allowed me to network within mathematics.
In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
Above all, the connections fostered within different disciplines of mathematics are a significant benefit that can be uniquely obtained at the summer school. I was able to discuss future career and academic options with both professors and students who have shared similar experiences. The subject matter was also relevant to my own research and it has helped my understanding to complete my honours research.
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?
Definitely! The careers day was a great opportunity to meet with potential employers and partners in the field of mathematics and related disciplines. It broadened my horizons and introduced me to relevant industry partners. I became particularly interested in the field of trading through the fair.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2026? Should they apply and why?
I would advise them to look at all the different course offerings and choose any of the courses they find interesting and if they have not much experience in those particular disciplines to brush up before the summer school. I’d also advise them to attend the school in person as there are countless opportunities to meet great people.
What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
I definitely wish to further the collective knowledge in the field of mathematics and try my best to tackle some hard problems. I’m also interested in applying my mathematical abilities in the trading and financial market sector or in computer vision related disciplines.
How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
The community at the summer school made for a highly supportive cohort of peers and a smooth experience in a new city. I knew I always had people to rely on and was able to explore Sydney with some new friends. Working together in class was one of the highlights of my summer school experience.
Any other feedback/comments you would like to provide on the AMSI Travel Grant or AMSI Summer School 2025?
The summer school was a great program!