Nelly Moen Tucker
Monash University
Nelly Tucker is a third-year student at Monash University, studying a Bachelor of Science with a Major in Pure Maths and a Minor in Computational Science. Although she enjoys all areas of maths, her summer research project on Random Walks established her interest in Probability Theory and Uncertainty. Outside of her studies, Nelly enjoys painting and hiking.
1. Give me a quick overview of the type of mathematics you are studying, and/or the aims of your research and its potential applications/outcomes (how you would explain your work and studies to friends who don’t study maths?)
I am currently in my final year of my undergraduate studies, with a major in mathematics. My main interests lie in the study of probability and uncertainty as well as topology.
2. How did you get into the mathematical sciences? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
I have always loved mathematics, even from a very young age. There is something about being able to solve a problem using logic that has always appealed to me. Throughout my time in school I continued to enjoy the problem-solving and reasoning that naturally arises in mathematics, and so it was no surprise that I chose to do my Bachelors in mathematics.
3. Winter School is designed to give students a deeper understanding of their area of research and expose them to others working in different fields/industries. Tell me about your Winter School experience. What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
The most valuable part of the program for me was to see all the different areas of mathematics that both participants and lecturers were working in. Hearing from all the participants talking about their field of research and how they got there was a great experience and will definitely be something I take with me as I continue my own studies.
4. What was your main take away/s from AMSI Winter School? Something you learnt? A connection you made? Do you have new ideas for your work/research or see it in a new light?
I learnt a lot about robotics and how much maths goes into making autonomous systems. The lectures gave me insights into how different areas of maths have to deal with uncertainty and how they do it. Outside of everything that I learnt in terms of mathematics, what I take away from the AMSI Winter school is definitely the connections I made there. It was a great opportunity to meet people further along in their studies and learn about their areas of research.
5. You received a grant to attend AMSI Winter School. How important was this in terms of your ability to attend, fully participate in the program and meet others studying in similar fields?
The grant allowed me to attend the event in person, which greatly improved my ability to meet other participants and engage fully in the careers sessions. The time spent between lectures talking and having fun with the other participants was invaluable.
6. What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Winter School? How would you describe the conference to them?
The Winter School is a great opportunity to learn a lot of mathematics related to very different fields. I would recommend checking the courses given before attending to see if they are of interest. If you are attending I would advise you to attend all the special lectures and events even if they are not related to your field of research.
7. Where do you want the mathematical sciences to take you? Where do you see yourself in five, ten years time?
At the moment I am excited to finish my Bachelors Degree. Following that I am considering completing an Honours Year and/or a Masters degree. My hope is to continue doing what I love: working on problems.
8. Any other feedback/comments you would like to provide on the travel grant or AMSI Winter School?
I would like to thank the organisers for their great work in planning the Winter School and for making my participation possible.