AMSI grant recipient profile: Christian Risco

I am an honours student in mathematics at The University of Queensland under the supervision of Dr Daniele Celoria. I have become really captivated with low-dimensional topology and am focusing on knot concordance for my thesis. Outside of maths, I am a passionate Kung Fu student and teacher, amateur climber, and avid reader of all sorts of books.

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 enjoy considering shapes and structures (adding adjectives when needed) and the interplay between these concepts. In this pursuit, I have come to find algebraic and geometric topology the perfect field of study. Recently, and for the foreseeable future, I have been looking at knots. One can think of these objects as a closed loop that cannot be cut nor passed through itself but is still very malleable. It turns out that knots are wonderful testing grounds (and even origins) for a diverse range of tools and techniques in the field.

How did you get into the mathematical sciences? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?

I can’t say there was one single moment in particular that pushed me into maths. I enjoyed it tremendously in high school so I thought I would continue studying it in university and I ended up completing a research project in my undergrad that showed me what research mathematics looks like, and it got me completely hooked. Throughout my entire journey however, I have been met with nothing but kindness and encouragement from family, friends, teachers, tutors, and my supervisors, which has collectively worked to inspire me to continue in the field.

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?

The travel grant was instrumental to my attendance and participation at AMSI Summer School 2026. The summer school was two states over from me so it would have been quite the expense and hassle to attend without the grant. I would say attending in-person was advantageous because it gave me the chance to connect with people face-to-face which I find to be more enjoyable in general. Additionally, it gave me the chance to ask questions and have discussions with my lecturers and tutor which was beneficial and enjoyable.

What was the most valuable part of the program for you?

I would say the experience of trekking through a subject from foundational literature to the cutting edge of research was incredibly valuable. To see just how much can be done in such a short time frame as well as being exposed to all this content, I found it very enlightening.

In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?

Principally, there are two categories that the benefits fall into: perspective and relationships. The former is that of a general broadening of my view of maths as well as how maths is conducted at such levels. The latter is that of connecting with my peers and forming bonds that will hopefully far outlast the summer school.

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, I am now aware of more concrete avenues if I were interested in an industry career path after my honours.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2027? Should they apply and why?

Whilst I can’t speak for every individual, I would say that the summer school is worth more than just considering, and if you could, you should go along to it. It is a very rewarding experience and the capacity to impart such mathematical maturity in such a short period is hard to rival.

What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?

My current ambitions are focused on the near future and attempting to hone my skills and knowledge as I start my career. My intent is definitely to continue in academia.

How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?

I enjoy maths most when working with others so the nights and weekends spent solving problems and working through ideas with friends were some of my most enjoyed components of the summer school. Paired with having the chance to ask for help and gain insight from my lecturers and tutor, it was a very nice experience.

Any other feedback/comments you would like to provide on the AMSI Travel Grant or AMSI Summer School 2026?

I would like to thank AMSI for organising a great summer school and supporting my attendance with a travel grant.