Chloe Markovic
Australian National University
Chloe Markovic is a mathematics student at the Australian National University in the PhB Science program. She has a broad range of academic interests within mathematics and further afield, but primarily focuses on harmonic analysis, stochastic analysis, and analytic number theory. She has a particular interest in financial mathematics (especially options pricing) as part of these fields, as well as systems modelling and optimisation. She finds immense satisfaction in the combination of collaboration and competition that can be found in research and elsewhere, having won numerous awards for her academic performance.
Outside of her studies she recharges and keeps up her competitive and creative spirit by hiking, cycling, advocacy and various design projects (3D printing, sewing, and fabrication).
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 currently studying harmonic/functional/stochastic analysis as well as number theory. On the side of the latter, I study combinatorial questions like expressing every even number as the sum of two primes. As part of my work in analysis, a broader impact is the study of options pricing, which can help ensure parties are getting a fair deal when trading. For example, for farmers hedging against crop yield risks.
How did you get into the mathematical sciences? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
I was self-studying physics, and as part of that I needed to learn some calculus. Since this occurred outside of the curriculum through Khan Academy, I was exposed to the idea of proofs; this fascinated me and I’ve been enamoured with mathematics ever since. I have, of course, had any number of amazing mentors who I am somewhat afraid to name for fear of missing any.
You received a grant to attend AMSI Summer School. How important was this in terms of your ability to attend, fully participate in the program and meet others studying in similar fields?
It was absolutely an advantage! I don’t think I would have been able to afford to go on my own, and being able to engage with a different flavour of subjects, lecturers, etc. and connect with other students was a boon to not only my mathematical education but also networking and other surrounding skills.
What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
The best part was getting to know a different way of looking at mathematics at a different institution, and similarly for meeting people from all across Australia’s universities.
In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
The talks and extracurriculars gave me a lot of insight into future planning and careers, which I think will be the main lasting benefit. Of course, the courses I took will almost certainly be applicable to any future 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?
Yes; while I was aware of the traditional academic pathways and quant, a lot of other pathways are typically discussed in a nebulous manner: “There’s lots of job in data science for maths grads”. It’s good to know where to look, and the kind of work I might actually be doing if I went in that direction.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2027? Should they apply and why?
Definitely! Really everything is an advantage, you have the opportunity to learn about subjects you might not otherwise be able to, meet new people – both students and academics, the talks give a spark of curiosity… one could go on.
What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
At the moment I’m looking to go into industry, and potentially have a dual academic/industry position further into the future so that I can teach and conduct research.
How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
If I were to be trite, I would say it uplifts through a feeling of community. That said, it is truly the essence of it. There are people to talk to, lean on (so to speak), and in future it’s a point of commonality to draw on.
Any other feedback/comments you would like to provide on the AMSI Travel Grant or AMSI Summer School 2026?
Only that in summation of what I have said both the grant and summer school are incredibly valuable and worthwhile programs.