Rebekah McCann
James Cook University
I am currently a third-year student at James Cook University, majoring in physics, with a strong focus on abstract maths and theoretical physics. My interests lie in the places where the lines separating mathematics and physics are particularly blurry. This year, I will be doing a short research project exploring operadic descriptions of compact closed categories, and next year I will (likely) be doing an honours project in quantum mechanics.
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)
This year I will be doing a research project in Category theory, in which I will attempt to use undirected graphs to “connect” compact closed categories. If successful, this may help relate the study of compact closed categories to other fields of mathematics. Category theory (and particularly compact closed categories) is also beneficial in quantum physics, which is the field I plan to do my honours project in.
2. How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
I have always had a talent and interest in mathematics, but I never felt I had an avenue to pursue it in full while I lived in regional Queensland. Last year, though, I did a subject called Discrete Maths with Dr Sophie Raynor, and I fell in love with abstract maths in general. Dr Raynor was very supportive of my interests and encouraged me to pursue mathematics further in the future.
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 wouldn’t have been able to afford to attend the AMSI Summer School in-person without the Travel Grant, so it was immensely helpful. Attending in-person allowed me to meet other mathematicians and like-minded students, and I was able to gain more from the classes than I could’ve if I’d done them online.
4. What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
The most valuable part of the program for me was gaining the experience of learning in a highly academic and mathematical environment for the first time. I also appreciated the opportunity to live on-campus in a highly metropolitan area, which was quite different from what I’m used to in regional Queensland.
5. In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
I gained more mathematical confidence and (hopefully) improved my communication skills with other students. Additionally, the subject I completed, Hyperbolic Knot Theory, will likely be relevant to my future studies.
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 now have a much better idea of the variety of jobs that are available to a mathematician.
7. What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2025? Should they apply and why?
I would definitely recommend applying for the 2025 Summer School if you have the means. It’s greatly beneficial, even if you’re relatively new to your mathematical studies.
8. What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
I plan to get a PhD in physics and continue my career in academic research.
9. How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
Chatting with others about the classes we were doing and helping each other when we were confused was immensely beneficial to my learning experience. It was also comforting to make friends there while I was so far from home.
10. Any other feedback/comments you would like to provide on the AMSI Travel Grant or AMSI Summer School 2024?
I would like to say thank you to AMSI for organising this summer school and giving me this opportunity to expand my mathematical knowledge and experiences.