Cooper Maher
RMIT University
I studied the Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and Statistics at RMIT University in Melbourne and am now an Honours student at RMIT University, studying mathematics and statistics. I will be finishing my Honours degree halfway through 2024 and intend to do a PhD with my current supervisor at RMIT.
1. Can you give me a quick rundown about the type of mathematics you are studying and its potential impacts for the broader community?
The mathematics I am studying is epidemiology, focusing on ticks and the spread of diseases through their unique feeding behaviours. Having a greater understanding of ticks unique feeding behaviours means everyone needs to consider it in their models or else they will run the risk of underestimating the potential of tick-borne pathogens. Wildlife disease management can be considered differently by ecologists and how to approach it because of their feeding behaviour. If these models can therefore be more accurate it can reduce the spread of tick-borne pathogens meaning people in society are less likely to be infected.
2. How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
In high school I was good at it and had some great teachers. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but chose it in University as I remember on an Open Day being told how students often choose engineering if they are good at mathematics, but to instead choose mathematics if you are good at mathematics.
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?
It was very important as I do not believe I would have attended in person for as long or even at all if I had not received the Travel Grant. I do believe it was an advantage to attend the program in-person as it was important to meet other students. I have never been in a learning environment like that, and it was very beneficial. I was also online for the last week of Summer School and it was nowhere near as interesting as being in person.
4. What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
I believe the most valuable part of the program was meeting like-minded students, as I have been online for the majority of my degree due to the pandemics and have never had an opportunity to interact with other students with similar interests in the way I could. It allowed for me to learn a lot more concepts of other mathematical areas that I have not studied and the research going on in those fields.
5. In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
I think I will be able to use the connections built to discuss and potentially use the networks for future opportunities for work. I will also be able to use the opportunity of attending to attend in the future. I initially wanted to attend for the credit I could get, but having completed Summer School I would be interested in attending again in the future.
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?
I believe I do feel better equipped to explore career options as I spoke to almost all the stalls and made some connections that I have followed up to see what opportunities I can get. It was beneficial to see the different opportunities of work available.
7. What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2025? Should they apply and why?
They definitely should apply. I thought it would be a good experience, but it was a great experience and so much better than I had expected. I don’t think there are any similar opportunities for any students in mathematics to have an experience like this in Australia.
8. What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
I plan on completing a PhD at RMIT on a similar field to what I currently study. I may work at Universities for a period of time but I am interested on getting into work in industry afterwards.
9. How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
While a lot of students had different interests to me, it became a great group to have conversations with and then made the whole trip more enjoyable as we would go out together and do activities together.
10. Any other feedback/comments you would like to provide on the AMSI Travel Grant or AMSI Summer School 2024?
Even if you are on the fence about attending, do it as you will not regret it.