Puti Dai
Monash University
I am an Honours student at Monash University, completing my study in random walks with Andrea Collevecchio; the particular variation of random walks I study is the Once-reinforced random walk. I have a very mixed academic background, as I previously studied civil engineering and I also have a degree in commerce and statistics.
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)
The type of mathematics I study is probability and analysis.
Probability has wide applications in the broader community, often connected to gambling and games, but it can also lead to interesting problems that can be posed to the layman which have solutions that involve significant mathematical machinery. An example of this would be the study of the simple random walk, which, despite its simple construction, hides a wealth of mathematics.
Analysis, on the other hand, is more of a study of how things are interconnected. To me, it is the study of inequalities; inequalities are rougher statements and can lose finer details, but this cost comes with the benefit of greater flexibility and applicability. For example, when studying complicated problems, it is sometimes easier to simplify them into components that are easier to estimate and control, which give a rough idea of what the solution will look like, all without going through the difficulty of solving the actual problem (which sometimes might even be impossible)!
2. How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
I previously studied civil engineering and econometrics, but I found the content to be dissatisfying due to the prevalence of plug-and-chug formulas. I wanted to learn more about the theoretical justifications. I was also after a firmer foundation when it came to statistics, which would involve probability theory and to some extent, pure maths. As such, I dropped civil engineering and made the switch over to mathematics, which is a decision I do not regret. Despite my initial reasons for making the switch, I became enamoured with mathematics and decided to spend more time pursuing it, which lead me here.
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?
I think the Travel Grant played a critical role in allowing me to attend AMSI Summer School 2024. I studied online throughout the COVID lockdowns and despite doing well, I think it took a significant mental toll. Being able to attend class in person is always a significant bonus, especially when it is located very close to where I am staying. It allowed me to participate in the program in the fullest, interacting with lecturers face-to-face and meet others who studied in similar fields. I think it is an absolute advantage to have attended the program in-person.
4. What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
The most valuable part of the program were the classes with other students and the rapport built up between lecturers. This was only possible by attending in person and because of this, I managed to befriend many students, as well as expand my network in academia. More importantly, ANU has a significant research group in analysis, which my university does not have, so I found it highly beneficial to have been able to speak to these lecturers.
5. In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
In the long term, I think the benefits of having attended Summer School are tremendous. It has given me a clearer view of the opportunities that arise from studying mathematics, as well as a larger network of students and researchers in mathematics across Australia.
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?
Yes, I definitely do feel better equipped to explore career options in the mathematical sciences. Studying mathematics at university is a strange endeavour, since it does not correspond directly to a specific career (apart from research). However, it actually offers immense breadth and flexibility, which I realised after attending the Careers Day. I got to see all the various fields that used mathematics despite not being obvious in the first place.
7. What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2025? Should they apply and why?
I would absolutely recommend them to apply for Summer School in 2025. The opportunity to study away from your university, to meet mathematics students from all across Australia and lecturers who may specialise in fields that are not offered at your home university, is priceless.
8. What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
My current ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector is to pursue a career in trading. I have already landed an offer, which I intend on pursuing once I have graduated from honours. However, I am also interested in potentially returning to academia in a few years’ time to complete a doctorate.
9. How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
I think connecting with the community played a significant role in making AMSI Summer School a positive experience. It made all the classes more engaging and intriguing. Furthermore, all the students had similar experiences; they studied mathematics in their home universities and were now in a different place to continue their study in mathematics, which I think was something that brought us all together. We could all relate to each others’ problems as well as joys given our similar backgrounds, which only complemented the experience.
10. Any other feedback/comments you would like to provide on the AMSI Travel Grant or AMSI Summer School 2024?
I am highly satisfied with both the Travel Grant and AMSI Summer School 2024. If circumstances allow, I would love to attend another Summer School in the future.