Jasmin Wong
The University of Sydney
I am currently completing my Master’s thesis as a part of the Bachelor of Science/Masters of Mathematical Sciences program at the University of Sydney. I am interested in Number Theory, particularly continued fractions.
1. Can you give me a quick rundown about the type of mathematics you are studying and its potential impacts for the broader community (think how you would explain your work and studies to others who don’t study maths)
I am studying continued fractions, which are useful in approximating real numbers with rational numbers. Continued fractions give ‘good’ approximations for rational numbers, in fact the approximation 22/7 for pi comes from continued fractions. Some numbers, like quadratic irrationals, have nice patterns in their continued fraction. I am studying a continued fraction that does not have such a nice pattern but how we can use it to approximate some cubic irrational numbers.
2. How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
I think I have always particularly interested in maths, but I think I was really motivated by my dad. He also did maths at uni, and even though he does not apply much of his maths degree now he is still a very good problem solver and has taught me to think about things in certain ways which has become very useful.
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?
I am extremely grateful for the travel grant. Being able to travel and attend in person, as well as stay at accommodation with all my peers made the experience amazing. It made studying and going to class so easy and was able to make lots of friends. I cannot imagine doing the course online.
4. What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
Although the maths was important and has taught me a lot, I value the people I met more. It was nice to meet very interesting people in the same area of study, whom I got along with incredibly well.
5. In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
It was an amazing experience to travel to a different university and study away from home. I learnt so much maths but was also able to think about what I would like to do after finishing my degree.
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?
Yes, AMSI has been very good in displaying the wide range of career options we can go into with a maths degree.
7. What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2025? Should they apply and why?
Yes, apply. It is so much fun and maybe the best way possible to do a maths subject over the holidays.
8. What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
I am still unsure. But this experience has made me significantly less stressed about careers, showing all the options I have. I think I am still interested in trying everything.
9. How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
The community was the best part. If there was no community, I probably would have not enjoyed it at all!
10. Any other feedback/comments you would like to provide on the AMSI Travel Grant or AMSI Summer School 2024?
I loved it!!!