Two UQ maths students will be working to solve real-world problems after being awarded prestigious summer scholarships.
Jessica Chan and Trent Spears are among only 17 recipients of this year's Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) Vacation Research Scholarship, and will be kept busy for the next six weeks working on their research projects at UQ's St Lucia campus.
Working closely with their supervisors, the students will also have the chance to present their findings to maths scholars and peers at the CSIRO's "Big Day In" event in February.
Ms Chan will be working with Professor You-Gan Wang to understand the nature of lobster growth in the Torres Strait rock lobster fishery. The fishery provides an annual revenue of $17 million.
"In this project, we will apply various statistical techniques and develop statistical models for growing ornate rock lobsters," Ms Chan said.
Mr Spears will work with Professor Phil Pollett to sharpen his knowledge of probability theory before applying it to derivatives pricing.
"Probability combines my fascination with risk, and obsession for mathematics. This summer, I hope to develop skills and ideas that influence my life as a research scientist into the future," Mr Spears said.
At the culmination of their research in February, Ms Chan and Mr Spears will be heading to Sydney to present their work at the "Big Day In" event, where their research will be scrutinised by CSIRO scholars and other academics.
Winners of the AMSI Vacation Research Scholarships are awarded $380 per week for up to six weeks, with travel and accommodation costs also covered.
Media: Ms Aarti Kapoor (07 3346 9935, a.kapoor@uq.edu.au)
