Kai Marns-Morris
The University of Western Australia
I am a mathematics student at UWA who enjoys climbing mountains, windsurfing and other adventure sports. I am a Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons) student majoring in mathematics and physics just starting my 4th year. During my time at university, I have come to love any form of mathematical problem solving, especially involving the application of mathematics to computer science, machine learning, or numerical methods.
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 have just completed my bachelor’s component, so have not had the time to specialize much yet. However, I would like to delve deeper into numerical methods and probability theory possibly in my honours year.
How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
I always enjoyed mathematics in high school, mainly due to an incredible mathematics specialist teacher. I figured mathematics is the most broad subject I could study that could later be applied to physics, data science etc (other interests of mine).
You received a Travel Grant to attend AMSI Summer School 2025. 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?
Yes, I think in person learning allows collaboration with other students as well as the professor. Initially I was planning on just taking the units online, however, the grant allowed me to come to Sydney and learn with many other students in similar positions.
What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
Staying with others all learning the same units in a new city. This was new for me and definitely made AMSI for me.
Also I really enjoyed the quality lecturers AMSI had to offer in the courses I was taking (machine learning and time-series analysis). This gave me a chance to study some really interesting subjects which are not available at my home university.
In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
Connections to other like-minded mathematicians as well as the unique units/content I was able to learn.
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, I thoroughly enjoyed the careers day, talking to industry professionals helped assure me of the many interesting private sector jobs available in mathematics areas.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2026? Should they apply and why?
Yes, it’s a great experience seeing a new city while also doing units which are different (in my case better) than those offered in my home university.
What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
I would like to complete my Honours and then a master’s in applied mathematics (possibly in numerical methods).
How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
This was a highlight, living in the same college with many like-minded people made the summer school incredibly worthwhile.