Johan Choi
The University of Sydney
I am an Honours student in Data Science under the School of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Sydney. My current work involves an examination of Contrastive Representation Learning with application to astronomical time series data.
Give me a quick overview of the type of mathematics you are studying, and/or the aims of your research and its potential applications/outcomes
I am an honours student studying Data Science, which is an interdisciplinary field of study that analyses and extracts information from data using techniques from Mathematics and Statistics, Computer Science and Economics. It helps businesses, governments and organisations make decisions, predictions and strategies.
How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
I felt that Data Science matched my skillsets fairly well- the discipline combines different areas of expertise such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics and tops it off with an emphasis on higher-level thinking and analysis, kind of like a jack-of-all-trades.
You received a Travel Grant to attend AMSI Summer School 2026. 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 would say that the grant was very important to my participation in AMSI Summer School; it takes out a lot of stress in terms of planning and financing accommodation (particularly when it is in an area that you don’t know well).
By attending the program in-person, you really get the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, and really connect with the experience in ways that you just can’t get remotely.
What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
I think the most valuable part would be the program’s focus on opportunities that exist outside of research.
In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
I feel that the coursework has made my foundational knowledge more solid, as well as having had the opportunity to grow my professional and academic network further.
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 feel that I am certainly better equipped to explore my career options after the AMSI Summer School- it was both interesting and reassuring to learn about the various niches in which I could apply my skills in mathematical sciences.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2027? Should they apply and why?
If you’re on the fence about whether to apply for the program, I can assure you, there is nothing to stress about. Yes, it is a month long commitment but I can say with certainty that the experience you will gain makes it worth the time.
What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
I am hoping to make a break into the industry, where I could apply my skills in Data Science into one of many sectors, ranging from consulting to even Signals Intelligence!
How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
Connecting with the community was a great way to grow my academic network, it was also enlightening to hear the unique experiences that each person had.
Any other feedback/comments you would like to provide on the AMSI Travel Grant or AMSI Summer School 2026?
If you’re applying for a grant, don’t be afraid to reach out to the Program Coordinators- they are professional, responsive and nothing short of helpful when it comes to supporting students through the program.