Aaron Manning
The University of New South Wales
I am currently studying pure mathematics at the University of New South Wales, about to start my honours year with research in number theory. I have loved mathematics for as long as I can remember, but number theory is a recent interest. I am also particularly interested in the intersections of number theory with theoretical computer science.
1.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 an honours in number theory, in particular working on getting some asymptotic bounds on the number of matrices of fixed determinant or characteristic polynomial over the integers, number rings, or S-units of number fields.
2.How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
For me mathematics is the constrained world in which things make sense, and there are logical rules which govern how things behave. It is for this reason I have always loved mathematics and known that was what I wanted to study. Number theory is a recent love, thanks to two great subjects I took last year at university (thanks Igor and Alina).
3.You received a Travel Grant to attend AMSI Summer School 2024. 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?
Attending the program in person was a huge part of the experience for me. Interacting with other students working on similar problems, and being able to discuss ideas and teach each other things related to our areas of expertise was crucial to the main benefits I got out of the program. I would not have attended the program in person without the travel grant, and thus it was extremely valuable.
4.What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
AMSI summer school provides the opportunity for subjects to be run that would never be run as typical university subjects, or to run them in a different way. The number theory course that I took covered a smaller amount of content in much greater depth than I am used to, and helped develop certain skills way better than could be done in a conventional class.
5.In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
I met many people, including students and staff, who I will be able to stay in contact with after summer school, including many at my own host university. These connections are valuable both on a personal and professional level.
6.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. There are lots of jobs for mathematics graduates, but I previously had this idea that most of those jobs were in data science, and didn’t allow the kind of pure mathematics work I desired, with the exception of academia. The careers day helped introduce me to other career opportunities which work in a very pure side of maths.
7.What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2025? Should they apply and why?
Before applying I had no real expectations, yet after completing the summer school I can say it was an extremely worthwhile experience. So, I would say to go for it!
8.What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
Currently I’m looking into doing the potential of doing a PhD next year, and subsequently looking for jobs either in academia, private research or public service.
9.How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
I had previously never come across such a large group of supportive and interested mathematics students. It is also incredibly valuable having teachers who clearly really love the subject they are teaching because they have attended the event for the sole purpose of teaching that subject. My interactions with these teachers really helped with learning the new material.
10.Any other feedback/comments you would like to provide on the AMSI Travel Grant or AMSI Summer School 2024?
Just a genuine thank you for the program, and the grant!