Kiyoshi Andres Takeuchi Romo
Australian National University
Hello! My name is Kiyoshi! I am currently a PhD student at ANU in the Research School of Physics. I hail from Mexico. I did my Undergrad at Stony Brook, a masters in University of California Riverside, and another at Kyoto University. My master’s thesis was on the Essential Dimension of Groups over Fields, from the functorial perspective. My current topic of research is on persistence homology applied to studying CT scans from various sources. As a hobby, I enjoy traveling a lot, I’ve been to the Amazon Rainforest, Machu Picchu, Chichen Itza, Japan, etc. I also enjoy many things related to the ocean like Scuba Diving and Snorkeling. I love whale sharks. Lately I’ve been getting into Caving and Canyoning and a little bit of Mountain Biking.
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 working on several projects related to persistence homology. This is essentially a way to check how connected a space is. As it turns out, the connections in a space are a good invariant for it.
How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
My father is a physicist, and my grandfather was a mathematician, and my great grandfather was a physicist. It’s something that has been running in the family for a while now.
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?
It’s really hard to stay focused on video lectures, because one thinks one can multi-task and do other things at the same time, so being present at the lecture is much better. I also was inspired by the high level of work that was outputted by my peers. It makes me strive to do even better.
What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
The real treasure was the friends we made along the way (this is a meme but I do believe it is true).
In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
Similar to the previous question, I think I made long lasting connections with people I care about that I hope to see in the future as happy, successful, and fully fledged professionals in their respective areas.
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?
As an international student I am not eligible for most of the career options presented at the careers day, and for those that I was, they weren’t taking first year PhDs.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2026? Should they apply and why?
Just do it. Odds are you are interested in the maths. The great thing is that you will meet people that are also interested in the maths from many parts of the country.
What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
I want to teach maths at the university level.
How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
It made it thoroughly more enjoyable.