Ryan Braiden
The University of Queensland
I am an honours student studying geometric group theory and algebraic topology under the supervision of Masoud Kamgarpour at the University of Queensland. I like to use methods in algebra to study objects in geometry and topology.
I also work as a tutor at the University of Queensland, I am a unionist at the NTEU (UQ branch) and I am committed to various forms of worker rights and anti-imperialism activism on and off campus.
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
A topological space is a collection of points (think coordinates in a grid) that has some “shape”. Groups are the algebraic structures that encode symmetries. I try to understand the shape of topological objects, by studying the symmetries (that is, groups) associated to these objects. In particular, I study topological spaces related to geometric reflection groups.
How did you get into the mathematical sciences? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
I always thought I would study the humanities. At the high school I attended it was the humanities where I was allowed to exercise my critical thinking abilities that I found so enjoyable. It was only until I took first year analysis taught by Artem Pulemotov at UQ, when I discovered mathematics is deeply rich in rigor, leads to excitingly unexpected results and a lifetime of study would only grant a miniscule perspective of everything there is to know.
You received a grant to attend AMSI Summer School. How important was this in terms of your ability to attend, fully participate in the program and meet others studying in similar fields?
Without the travel grant it would not have been feasible for me to attend.
What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
The opportunity to meet new people and to participate in the participant talks.
In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
The people I have met I hope to see at conferences in the future.
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?
Sure. My awareness of career possibilities has improved since attending.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2027? Should they apply and why?
It is an excellent opportunity to meet new people and I cannot recommend enough the participant talks—if you have something to talk about, you should.
What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
Academic research, unless I find more meaningful work.
How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
Enormously. The more perspectives I have access to, the better my learning experience.