In AMSI scholarship recipient
AMSI scholarship recipient profile: Hai Duc Vu

Hai Duc Vu

Monash University

Hai Duc Vu has graduated from Bachelor of Science (Applied Mathematics and Computational Science). He is  furthering his studies in Mathematics and Statistics by studying Honours Year at Monash University. His goal is to step into academia, broaden my horizon in Mathematics field and become a better version of myself by gaining experience from learning from seniors. He has a deep passion for Maths, volleyball and chess.

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 persuing Applied Mathematics, especially in Differential Equations in biological field. My honours project is about Holf bifurcation in blood flow. Its application is to use in medical and mathematical research and community practices.

How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?

I have always developed interest in Mathematics since I was a child. And it is part of my daily life. I feel that whenever I do Maths, I am enjoying it and actually having fun. My mom is a Maths teacher so she is my inspiration and a role model for me to follow.

You received a scholarship to attend AMSI Summer School 2022. How important was this in terms of your ability to attend, fully participate in the program and meet others studying in similar fields?

AMSI scholarship provided me some financial support and made me appreciate the effort that both me and the AMSI gave. It provides me the opportunities to engage in Mathematics community, which has a lot of other fellow students who have the same interest as me.

The purpose of Summer School is to give students an opportunity to develop their mathematical skills, meet like-minded people and network with potential employers. What was the most valuable part of the program for you? Was it the course content or the people you met? Do you have new ideas for your work/research or see it in a new light?

The most valuable part of the program is to meet people who has the same interest and passion as me. Sometimes I feel it is a bit lonely to do research in Mathematics but throughout this program, I definitely have a different view of it since I have made a lot of connections with them and the lecturers.

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. Were you previously aware of the types of industry opportunities available to mathematical science graduates? Would you consider working with industry? Do you feel better equipped to explore career options in the mathematical sciences after attending AMSI Summer School?

I have always been hoping to be an academic, but working in industry is definitely an option. The careers Day program definitely broadens my mind about how abroad the working range can be if you are a Mathematics graduate.

AMSI Summer School was held as a virtual event. What was the biggest positive from your point of view holding it in this format and/or the biggest challenge?

The biggest positive is that everyone managed to take part in every single class even though zoom platform is not familiar with them. The biggest challenge is that sometimes we have interesting experiment and interactions we could not do it because of the online learning situations.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2023? Should they apply and why?

They should definitely apply for the Summer School in 2022. It is definitely a golden opportunity to open your mind and broaden your network. It is also helpful in terms of the knowledge that is taught and the lecturers are amazing!

Where do you want the mathematical sciences to take you? Where do you see yourself in five, ten years time?

I want mathematical science to take me to academia and research labs activities. In five years time I hope to be a PhD candidate and do a lot of interesting projects that is applicable to both research and industrial based field.

Any other comments you would like to provide ? 

I would like thank everyone who managed to organise this amazing program: the organiser, staff, lecturers and students. It has been a wonderful 4-week course and I have learnt a lot from this program and I wish everyone the best in their future endeavors !