Meghan Camp
James Cook University
I am a studying an Honours degree at James Cook University. I recently completed my Bachelor of Science majoring in physics and minoring in maths at the same university. I have always enjoyed physics and maths which led me to my decision to study them in university. My honours project is in quantum theory.
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)
While I’ve yet to start my honours project, I will be studying quantum mechanics for the project. This is, put simply, the behaviour of the very small particles of a system, which deviate from classical models. Particularly, I will be using mathematical techniques to investigate non-equilibrium systems and open quantum systems, for example.
2. How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
I always enjoyed mathematics, but at the beginning of my Bachelors, my efforts were limited to how it could help me better understand physics. Most of the maths courses avaliable at my university were quite application focused and I tended to only think of maths in terms of its applications as a result. As my degree progressed, I had the opportunity to try more pure mathematics courses. Understanding the inner workings that had been somewhat neglected in my previous courses was eye-opening. It really gave me a much better appreciation of maths in general, and since then, I have tried to learn as much as I am able to.
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?
The travel grant was crucial for me to attend and fully participate in the 2024 AMSI summer school. Given that I am from a regional location, quite far from Canberra, it would have been very difficult and expensive to organise accommodations and flights for the event. As such, I likely only would have been able to participate online without the grant. I think, personally, attending the event in person was much more advantageous than online. It was really helpful to be able to discuss with other students and watch presentations in person. I feel that it would have been much harder to follow and fully participate online.
4. What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
For me, the most valuable part of the summer school was the chance to broaden my horizons, mathematically and socially. In my home university, the scope of the mathematics subjects is currently somewhat limited. This meant that I didn’t have many chances to experience pure maths subjects. Similarly, the number of students taking these subjects is very small, so there wasn’t much of a community. Because of this, the summer school was a very new experience for me, and I found it very beneficial.
5. In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
Attending the summer school encouraged me to try and connect with a community interested in maths, as well as engage in events such as careers fair, where I can consider my path forward. I think, long term, this experience was helpful, even just for the experience of engaging in academic discussion and forming these connections.
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?
The careers day was very informative. There were many opportunities showcased there that I wouldn’t have thought to search for. I was also surprised by the range of different jobs that were possible. I do feel that I helped me consider options in industry.
7. What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2025? Should they apply and why?
I would encourage anyone with an interest in the subjects being offered to apply. Even if you feel that you aren’t completely comfortable with the mathematics, it is a fun challenge, and you’re in very supportive company. It’s also a good opportunity to meet like-minded people and learn about potential careers in the mathematical sciences for the future. Finally, you get an insight into a range of different experiences and backgrounds other people have, and how that relates to their perspective of maths. It’s really fascinating hearing about how their background informs their path forward and their approach to maths, which can be a bit more limited at your home university. I would definitely recommend it to others.
8. What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
Currently, I’m interested in a career of research, although I’m not entirely decided yet. There’s a lot to consider, but I’m glad to have heard about other paths I could take if I change my mind.
9. How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
I think connecting with the community supported my experience greatly. I don’t think I would have gotten nearly as much out of it without the help of everyone else. I felt that hearing their different approaches to the subjects and their degrees inspired me to try harder. It was also a lot more fun to have people to discuss the maths with.