In CHOOSEMATHS grant winner profiles
CHOOSEMATHS Grant recipient profile: Marzieh Rahmani Moghadam

Marzieh Rahmani Moghadam

La Trobe University

I started my PhD in the field of computer science in 2015. With the development of deep learning I have found my interest in using deep learning techniques on some biomedical application. Collaborating with a medical science lab gave me the opportunity to work on real microscopic data such as immune cells. Currently, I am in the last year of my PhD and have submitted two prestigious papers on 2D and 3D deep learning-based tracking algorithms for highly mobile leukocytes imaged in zebrafish infection models.p>

Can you give me a quick overview of the type of mathematics you are studying and its potential impacts for the broader community

I am currently working on a deep learning approach to optimize and improve the accuracy of automatic cell detection and tracking time laps microscopic images. The objective of this work is to address the challenges of manual cell tracking by humans which is time consuming and laborious.

You attended AMSI BioInfoSummer, what drew you to this event? What was the most valuable part of AMSI BioInfoSummer for you in terms of furthering your career in mathematical sciences?

My main reason for attending AMSI BioInfoSummer 2019 was to present my most recent research findings to my peers in the field and also to hear about theirs. Participating in this symposium was a great opportunity for me to discuss my current projects with other experts in the field and also get their valuable feedback. Furthermore, I had the chance to learn about hot questions and current challenges in the field, new techniques and application in the valuable workshops, and also to develop new ideas about my own work.

In what ways has the experience impacted your maths studies? Did this event lead to any new contacts, projects, collaborations?

It was a great opportunity for me to meet and network with known national and international top experts in my field of research which could potentially lead to valuable scientific collaborations.

Where do you see yourself in five or ten years time?

First, finishing my PhD. Then, I see myself as a valued part of a company to do high-level research in the field of bioinformatic and computer science and mentoring new employees of all levels.

How important was receiving a CHOOSEMATHS grant in terms of your ability to attend and fully participate in the AMSI BioInfoSummer 2019 sessions throughout the week?

As a student attending events is costly so I really appreciate receiving a CHOOSEMATHS grant as it gave me the opportunity to attend BioInfoSummer 2019. I also received a CHOOSEMATHS grant a few years ago to attend AMSI Winter School 2017 which was very valuable too.

How important are initiatives such as the CHOOSEMATHS Grants in terms of fostering the participation and achievement of women in mathematics, particularly in terms of access to networking opportunities and further training opportunities?

There are limited opportunities to interact with fellow female PhD students in my field. Initiatives such as the CHOOSEMATHS grant are great at providing networking opportunities with female experts in my field which I believe is important in guiding my future career in this typically male dominated field.

I appreciate AMSI for providing these opportunities for students and researchers to refresh their knowledge of the field, but also to expand their national network which I believe will significantly affect their post-study employability.

If a peer asked you if they should attend AMSI BioInfoSummer, how would you describe the conference to them?

Definitely, it was very useful for researchers and also those who are looking for a broad view on their field. This conference had so much value for me. I have increased my knowledge in the field in one compact week with so many workshops and informative talks.