Abstract:
Every time I mention that I’m a mathematician to someone new, the most popular response is ‘Oh I was TERRIBLE at maths!’ and a general vibe that I’m an extreme weirdo for not sharing in this feeling. Honestly, as mathematicians we are a bit different, but I am going to try and explain why we’re not that weird in this talk. To do this I will provide some stories of my own mathematical journey and why I ended up loving it.

About Dr Jordan Pitt, Associate Dean Indigenous Strategy & Services and School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Sydney:
Dr Jordan Pitt is a descendant of the Birri Gubba people and Applied Mathematician. Like most his passion for mathematics was sparked by a fantastic high school mathematics teacher. Since that fire ignited, he has had an academic career completing his undergraduate and PhD at the Australian National University working on numerical methods for tsunami modelling. He now studies the interaction of ocean waves and sea ice to improve climate models at the University of Sydney, continuing work begun as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Adelaide. In addition to his academic time, he has also worked at Geoscience Australia and the Australian Taxation Office on projects from modelling tsunamis to phone call times.

Event Format:
This public lecture is hosted by the Sydney Mathematical Research Institute (SMRI) and the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) as part of AMSI Summer School 2025. The talk will be tailored to a general audience and suitable for individuals from Year 10 onward.

Lecture: 5:30 – 6:30pm / Canapes & Drinks: 6:30 – 7:30pm AEST

Please note this event will be filmed and photographed. This is a free event, however registration is essential.