Lennon Logan
Latrobe University
Lennon Logan is studying a Bachelor of Science with an Honours of Mathematics, although he is taking a short leave of my studies to travel around Victoria. His thesis is Kiragami on Tilings, it’s an investigation on how we can describe the folding and cutting of tessellations on a plane and how they have particular folding’s which become 3D shapes which resemble crystals in nature. This work in the best case scenario will produce results which can be applied in different areas of material fabrication and manufacturing. He is from the City of Greater Bendigo, where He has also conducted most of my schooling and studies at the La Trobe Bendigo campus, although have recently moved to metropolitan Melbourne. Outside of his studies he is inspiring scientific curiosity as a science-communicator and helping to alleviate academic disadvantage as a volunteer Mathematics/Physics tutor. In his free time he loves experiencing the great outdoors by spending the evening in calm or riding my mountain-bike up hills. Outside of outside, He is pursuing new knowledge by learning new and different coding languages, reading books or playing video games.
Can you give me a quick overview of the type of mathematics you are studying and its potential impacts for the broader community?
My study is on Kiragami tilings and how we can fold these tilings into structures which resemble crystals in nature. Firstly Kiragami is like Origami but you can cut as well as fold. Now picture a hexagonal lattice drawn on a piece of paper, if you begin to cut and fold different edges in particular ways the 3D structure they form crystal formations that are nearly identical to naturally occurring crystals.
These crystals are extremely strong as by basic idea, the not as strong crystal structures do not occur frequently in nature are just abnormality, thus is why we seek these crystals as we can assure their strength. The meat of the project stems from mathematically describing how these folds become the 3D structure, then enumerating potential other cuts and folds to evaluate more folding patterns.
These results would find usage in the field of nano-technology as it is significantly easier to modify a lattice than forming a 3D shape. The applications are more far reaching than just nano-technology, there are many applications in many different fields when it comes to engineering, molecular biology, physics and more.
How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
I got into mathematics because it was fun, I remember a time when I was sitting in maths class towards the end of year 12 when I had the pressure of choosing what I wanted to do when I finished school. I realised in that moment that I genuinely enjoy studying maths, the pursuit of knowledge, the reward of solving a difficult problem and, the love for teaching others. I knew from these feelings I experienced that my future would definitely be in mathematics.
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?
I have recently moved out of home and at the time was without work. The price of paying for the program was relatively expensive although being reimbursed through the scholarship allowed me stress free engagement with the program. I was able to focus on attending all the public lectures and additional programs offered without worrying about my financial situation.
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?
I love the Summer School because it always offers programs that my home university doesn’t offer, so the vast choices allow me pick what I’m passionate about. It’s beautiful being a kid in a candy shop with all the amazing options to choose, some you’ve heard of but had never had the chance to try, others that you are so exotic you’ve never heard of. The opportunity is unparalleled. Participating in a subject is phenomenal, to be able to work with a leading expert in the field, to “stand on the shoulders of giants”. AMSI Summer School is really such an amazing program, I will remember every moment of the summer school because it really is just so fantastic.
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?
I cannot recommend the Careers Day highly enough, to hear from experts in their respective fields demonstrating how our passions in mathematics are still being entertained even in the private sector. I’ve heard repeated many times that maths graduates have a wide span of potential jobs in the private sector, although to genuinely hear from experts is an extremely comforting experience. Originally I’ve pursued research almost fanatically, although through this program I know the potential jobs I could work.
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 the ease of attendance. The host city this year was Sydney and without the online component attendance would have been impossible. Although this being the biggest positive was also the biggest negative. After spending the last 2 years working with only online subjects, attending in person is genuinely what I seek.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School?
Just do it, it is genuinely foolish not to. The scholarship alleviates the financial cost of enrolment and, the ability to take the class not for credit allows for a stress-free enjoyment of opportunity. It’s a win-win-win.
Where do you want the mathematical sciences to take you? Where do you see yourself in five, ten years time?
I know my calling in life is to help people, and I know my work in mathematical sciences will either lead me to this goal or alternatively will lead me to lay the foundations for someone to reach greatness.