Ethan Riekert
Curtin University
I’m a third-year student at Curtin University completing a Bachelor of Advanced
Science (Physics) with honours, expected to graduate with my honours in 2027.
My studies and interests centre around computational mathematics including
mathematical modelling, numerical simulations, optimisation, and machine
learning. I enjoy turning real-world problems into math that can be formulated
and built computationally.
My current year early-honours project is a neural knapsack / bin packing
optimisation problem applied to resource allocation on cloud computing. Rather
than using traditional Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) solvers, I am
investigating whether reinforcement learning agents can learn efficient packing
and allocation strategies from experience.
Having just started third year, this work is primarily exploratory and aimed at
deepening my understanding of optimisation and learning methods. I plan to
develop this project further into my honours thesis in 2027, with the goal of
producing methods that are both computationally practical and adaptable to realworld
systems.
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 study computational and applied mathematics with an emphasis on optimisation and adaptive systems (systems that grow over time in a feedback loop e.g neural networks). I enjoy applying mathematical models
and algorithms onto computers to solve real-world problems. You implement some type of method or loop with key definitions, constraints, variables, and objectives, and watch patterns and other interesting features reveal themselves and evolve. I enjoy seeing an outcome – mainly visually– and so a lot of data science and modelling is used.
How did you get into the mathematical sciences? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
My interest began in physics classes as I love to learn more about the world. Seeing math explain real-world phenomena really sparked my curiosity. Data science and coding is really just an extension in how I can
use this math. I have always been interested in technology, and I enjoyed the mix of theory and computation. There wasn’t necessarily any pinpoint moment in which inspired me to choose this field. I more or less just decided to take on activities and opportunities that I think I would enjoy.
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 essential and without it, I would not have even considered going due to the massive financial barrier of attending in person. Attending in person (as opposed to attending online) made it much
easier for me to fully engage in the course work. It was much easier to collaborate and get immediate feedback from the lecturers and build networks and friendships. Attending in person – in my opinion – is by far
the better choice in not only the experience, but in the academic learning.
What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
The most valuable part of the program was getting to explore a niche field of mathematics that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to at my home university. It really allowed me to explore what exactly about mathematics I enjoy, and lay foundations for my future career. I feel like I now have a better understanding of myself and where I would like to be in the next few years. Without this program, I don’t think I would be so confident in knowing what I would like to do in the future.
In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
Long term, Summer School has strengthened my technical toolkit and enhanced my CV. I feel like a I have better technical and mathematical skillset to go out and do academic projects and stand out industry-wise.
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?
The Careers Day was very helpful. It showcased a diverse set of roles for math graduates. Beforehand, I was very worried that studying math was more academic. If you want to be hands on you study engineering. If you want to work with computers and data you study computer science. However, the group of companies that came out and gave a presentation really helped relieve me of those fears. I feel much better equipped and reassured in pursuing graduate roles and finding a career that fits my mathematical interests – and that those roles and applications actually exist and are valued.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2027? Should they apply and why?
Do it. I came into it scared and almost ready to regret my decision – feeling like I made the wrong decision. I was one of the youngest people attending only half way into my degree. While doing the program this anxiety was quickly turned into confidence and momentum. The intensive lectures really helped me push my understanding forward faster than regular coursework. I struggle to motivate myself to do online courses or certificates, but the social aspect, intensity, and ability to talk directly to the lecturers really helped.
Interestingly, I myself am an introvert and love being by myself 24/7, but the social aspect and making a small group of friends really made the program. I didn’t plan on meeting any people, but it’s really easy to talk to fellow students and even lecturers that have the same mathematical brain as you.
What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
I plan to complete an honours and pursue career roles that combine optimisation theory and machine learning into real-world systems, with the potential to learn more about computational modelling and
simulations. I would like to obtain a job in industry that feeds my need to constantly learn – whether that be as an applied researching or working in some engineering team I would be more than happy.
How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
It made the program more engaging, productive, and generally more fun. Having study groups helped me tackle problems faster, asking around how others did it. It also inspired me to pursue further into my career being with people of similar interests and how intriguing their research was.
Any other feedback/comments you would like to provide on the AMSI Travel Grant or AMSI Summer School 2026?
I am thankful to the people over at AMSI for organising such a great program and for providing me with the travel grant that was the difference between me attending and not. I look forward to applying everything I’ve learnt and the motivation into my future career and studies.