Vida Yousefi Nezhad
RMIT University
I am Vida Yousefi Nezhad, a PhD student at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. I have been a research assistant at Tarbiat Modares University, Iran, from 2019 to 2023. I received my MSc in Industrial Engineering-Macro Systems from Tarbiat Modares University, Iran, in 2019 and my BA in Industrial Engineering in 2015 from Iran University of Science and Technology, Iran. During my master’s degree, my thesis focused on the Blood Supply Chain (BSC) and, more specifically, on the inventory management of the BSC under uncertainty and collaboration. Last year, I came to Australia to continue my research on BSC under Babak Abbasi’s supervision. Recently, we have developed an optimisation model, which aims to help hospitals make more efficient decisions on managing RBCs. My research interests and activities include Stochastic Programming, Robust optimisation, and Inventory Management of Perishable Items.
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 work on optimisation models for managing blood products in a hospital. The model can be applied to any other perishable product with a fixed shelf time in any industry.
2. How did you get into the mathematical sciences? Was there someone or something that inspired you to this field?
My uncle inspired me to study industrial engineering. I already had no idea when I entered University for my bachelor’s degree. I mean I did know what exactly I was going to study. But gradually I got interested and became curious. Then, I found two subjects namely operations research and probability and statistics interesting.
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?
It was a great experience. I was exposed to different subjects that I did not know. It also gives me new ideas for the next chapter of my thesis during my PhD, which is precious to me. Also, I made new friends and networks for future collaborations.
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?
The lecture with Distinguished Professor Kerry Mengersen was inspiring to me, I got new ideas for my work. Also getting to know reinforcement learning was valuable to me.
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?
It was important to me because I am an international student and could not afford it without considering your help.
6. What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for Winter School? How would you describe the conference to them?
I would describe the conference as a great opportunity for socializing and learning new ideas for our currents research or the future.
7. Where do you want the mathematical sciences to take you? Where do you see yourself in five, or ten years?
I see myself in a career between academia and industry. I desire to transfer my knowledge to others as a lecturer and solve a problem in the industry in a research team.