Jesse Zhou
The University of Western Australia
I did my undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Statistics and Physics at the University of Western Australia. I am currently an Mphil student at the University of Western Australia, working in the Applied Mathematics group. The topics I’m interested in are Condensed Matter Physics, and I also enjoyed Topology and Algebra back in my undergraduate.
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)
My current project is based on agent-based modelling and leans more towards the algorithms side. For the most part, it’s a lot of thinking about how to adapt different algorithms and justifying why they work. In terms of impacts, I don’t think there’s too much it could do in the near future since most of these algorithms are quite niche.
2. How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
I think I found that starting in high school, I just started to really enjoy doing mathematics. I just enjoy putting my head down and thinking about a problem, or reading about 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 helped simplify the accommodation question for me, so it was helpful in allowing me to attend in person and concentrate on the program itself rather than sorting out accommodation.
4. What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
For me, the most valuable part was broadening my knowledge – I had always wanted to learn more statistics and get a firmer foundation in that field, so being able to attend the courses and learn things I usually wouldn’t was nice. Being able to just immerse myself in the mathematics was also nice.
5. In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
I think it helps broaden your mathematical scope and allows you to see what other types of mathematics there are. Either that or you’re able to learn more on a topic that you already know and enjoy.
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, being able to talk to and hear from different companies helped me understand the different possibilities I would have and also the kind of work that’s out there.
7. What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2025? Should they apply and why?
I would just say they should definitely apply, because it helps you study at a level and breadth you probably wouldn’t be able to experience normally.
8. What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
My hope is to finish off a PhD in either Physics or Mathematics, then either go into Academia or Industry.
9. How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
Being able to talk about maths with other people who share a similar interest was enjoyable.
10. Any other feedback/comments you would like to provide on the AMSI Travel Grant or AMSI Summer School 2024?
I would just highly recommend any future students to apply and attend.