Samuel Jimenez-Swain
The University of Queensland
I am an Honours student in Mathematics at the University of Queensland (UQ). I have a Bachelor of Mathematics (Mathematical Physics) and a Bachelor of Science (Physics) also from UQ. My current research is in mathematical physics, specifically matter-light interaction models. The goal of this research is to derive better methods of solving matter-light interaction models in the attempt of applying this to more complex and potentially even unsolved (analytically) models.
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)
My focus area of mathematical study is in mathematical physics. Specifically in the construction and solving of new matter-light interaction models, such as extensions to the Jaynes-Cummings model. The goal of this research is to develop solving methods of these models that use less initial information and thus can be generalised to many more complex models that are yet to be solved analytically.
How did you get into mathematics/statistics/data science? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
My biggest inspiration in pursuing mathematics was my grandpa. As he was a mathematics teacher his whole life and was always willing to show me the joys of mathematics growing up.
You received a Travel Grant to attend AMSI Summer School 2025. 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?
As a student who lives independently of family, this grant to attend the AMSI Summer School was the only way I was going to be able to afford this experience. Attending this in-person and thus being able to participate fully in all associated events turned this from being just another university course into an actual experience where I got to meet many like-minded mathematicians.
What was the most valuable part of the program for you?
The most valuable part of the program was all the networking opportunities with academics, students and industry sponsors.
In the long-term, what do you think are the benefits of having attended Summer School?
The most apparent long term benefits of this program are definitely meeting students at the same study level as me that may very well be my academic peers 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?
I do think that the careers day introduced me to many new companies and industry positions that I was unaware of prior.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Summer School in 2026? Should they apply and why?
I would say that if you are interested in doing an academically challenging course that you most likely wouldn’t have access to otherwise, do consider AMSI. And when considering it, definitely apply for the travel and accommodation grants as being there in person offers an invaluable experience that doesn’t come around often.
What are your current career ambitions in the mathematical sciences sector?
I would love to work as an academic researcher/lecturer of mathematical physics at a university one day.
How did connecting with the community at AMSI Summer School support your experience?
It turned it from what could have easily been a lonely difficult experience into something worth looking forward to each day.
Any other feedback/comments you would like to provide on the AMSI Travel Grant or AMSI Summer School 2025?
Once again, I am very grateful to have received these grants as I would not have been able to attend this invaluable experience otherwise.