There's a reason there's an M in STEM!

Find out how your high school maths topics directly relate to career paths in science.

Everybody knows that science, technology and engineering will continue to shape the world we live in. They will be needed to solve the problems current and future generations will face. But how does mathematics fit in? Why do you have to learn calculus? What does probability have to do with anything? And is there really a reason for understanding statistics now that computers do everything for us?

If you are in Years 9-12, looking after someone in Years 9-12 or teaching a class of Years 9-12 students, come along to discover how the maths learnt in the classroom is used in everything from physics to medicine.

This 2 hour event will begin with you hearing from current pioneers in STEM as they detail how mathematics has shaped their careers. After which, there will be a networking Q&A so you can receive tailored advice and build connections with your future peers and potential colleagues.

Not sure which level of maths is needed for your chosen degree? Or do you have a major you want to take, but no idea what sort of career it could lead to? This is your chance to have all your questions answered!

There will also be the opportunity to attend one of three optional campus tours immediately before the event. If you would like a guided tour of the facilities you could be using if you study science at the University of Sydney, please reserve a ticket your preferred tour time when you reserve your ticket to the main event. Tours will leave from the courtyard in front of the Sydney Nanoscience Hub building.

Event details

Date: Wednesday 29th May (Week 5 Term 2)
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm (Campus tours will run from 4:00pm - 4:45pm. Doors to the main event will open at 4:45pm.)
Location: Sydney Nanoscience Hub, Physics Rd, The University of Sydney, Camperdown
Tea and coffee will be provided. Please provide any dietary requirements when reserving your ticket.

Parents/guardians and siblings are invited. Please book a ticket for each person that will be attending as seats are limited.

About the presenters

Professor Mary Myerscough
Applied Mathematician and Deputy Head of the School of Mathematics & Statistics

Professor Mary Myerscough works in the field of mathematical biology and applies algebra, calculus and probability theory to understand the behaviour of all manner of biological systems from cancer cells to bees! Mary received her bachelors in Applied Mathematics from the University of Sydney before heading to Oxford University to complete her PhD in Mathematical Biology. She now holds the position of Deputy Head of School for the School of Mathematics & Statistics, and teaches the first year undergraduate unit, Mathematical Toolbox.

Dr Jordan Pitt
Applied Mathematician and Associate Dean of Indigenous Strategy & Services, Faculty of Science

Dr Jordan Pitt uses calculus, rates of change and geometry to solve the differential equations associated with fluid dynamics and physical systems. In particular, he studies the interaction between ocean waves and sea ice. The rate at which sea ice freezes and melts throughout the year is a key driver of the Earth's climate and indicator of climate change! In his role as Associate Dean of Indigenous Strategy & Services, Jordan works to increase the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in STEM and build on their history as the First Scientists.

Dr Clara Grazian
Statistician, School of Mathematics & Statistics

Dr Clara Grazian applies theoretical and computational statistics to predict the behaviour of complex systems ranging from the development of antibiotic resistance in the bacteria that cause tuberculosis to the variation in rainfall patterns across Australia. To do this she relies heavily on functions, normal distributions, descriptive and inferential statistics – the beginnings of which are taught in high school. The relevance of her skills and knowledge to so many areas of STEM allowed Clara to study and work in France, Italy and England before she took up her position as Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney. Come along to ask her how you could do the same!

If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Martine Illing-Kelly, Senior Science Communicator for Mathematics & Statistics, by emailing martine.illing-kelly@sydney.edu.au.