Maths Careers

KATE LEE

Current Research Student - PhD in Statistics, QUT

Kate undertook her undergraduate degree at the University of Auckland and her supervisor there recommended a lecturer and the research team in the Faculty of Science at QUT for her postgraduate studies.

'I am very happy at QUT and the course (PhD in Statistics) I am doing. Everything was organised when I arrived at QUT on my first day, which made it a lot easier. Everyone in the Faculty are very friendly and helpful.'

Kate's PhD investigates computation for Bayesian statistics, which is used in many areas including genetics, biology, engineering, and environmental issues. Kate is currently working on testing algorithms and hopes to improve the speed and accuracy of them.

Kate wishes to work in many different areas of statistics and mathematics after completing her PhD and is keen to work and live overseas for a different experience!

Kate's Career Tip

Kate recommends experiencing a short research project through a scholarship or internship before you go on to do a PhD. She also recommends attending various talks as this will help to broaden your knowledge while making industry contacts.

ONGORN SNGUANYAT

Current Research Student - PhD in Mathematics, QUT

Ongorn is from Thailand and was a lecturer in the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Thailand, before she decided to embark to Australia to undertake a PhD at QUT.

'I chose to study at QUT because I heard the lecturers had a lot of practical experience in their respective fields and my current supervisor is very famous in my research area. Besides, the program offered at QUT fitted my background and experience more perfectly than any other destination.'

Ongorn is undertaking a PhD in Mathematics to upgrade her skills and, on her return home, she will go back as a lecturer at the University of Thailand. Her responsibilities in this position include teaching, conducting research and related activities in the field of Statistics and Finance.

Ongorn's Career Tip

'If you are looking for opportunities to upgrade your skills, boost your research skills, and study with world-class facilities. QUT is one of the prime research-intensive Universities anyone can find.'

WALTER HAAS

Double Degree - Bachelor of Applied Science (Mathematics) / Bachelor of Information Technology

Game Developer and Programmer, Auran

Walter is a game developer and programmer for Auran, an exciting entertainment company that creates computer games and technology to drive them. Walter has worked with people responsible for computer games such as Dark Reign and Trainz. The highlight of his career has been programming an online basketball game for the Korean market. Even though he was a new graduate and employee at the time, he was asked to attend the Game Developers' Conference, in San Jose California, for work. The conference included 'displays and lectures on various topics including computational mathematics and statistics which he recognised from his Bachelor of Applied Science (Mathematics) / Bachelor of Information Technology at QUT.'

ZACK NATH

Double Degree - Bachelor of Electrical and Computer Engineering / Bachelor of Applied Science (Mathematics)

Electrical and Instrumentation Engineer, Esso Australia Pty Ltd (ExxonMobile)

'The subjects I studied at QUT helped me immensely with a project at work and it was at that point that I realised how applicable to the real world the QUT degree really was.'

Zack works at Esso Australia Pty Ltd as an Electrical and Instrumentation Engineer. Esso is an affiliate of ExxonMobil, and is one of Australia's largest oil production operators and major gas producer. Zack works with a team of engineers who provide technical engineering support to assist in the management and upkeep of the company's onshore and offshore facilities. Zack acts as the point of contact for electrical and instrumentation issues relating to offshore facilities. He is also responsible for administering the company's critical function testing program, which ensures the integrity of all of the company's assets.

Zack is currently based out of the Melbourne office; however he has roles in all of the facilities so he often travels to the plants and offshore platforms via helicopter! 'Perhaps the best thing about the job is getting on the private company helicopter and flying out to the offshore platforms. These structures are out in the Bass Strait and all you have around is the ocean. It's an inspiring and awesome experience.'

Zach completed a double degree in a Bachelor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Mathematics). Zack received numerous awards from both faculties during his studies including the Dean's Award for Excellence and the Dean's Merit Award. He is a member of Engineers Australia and the Society of Petroleum Engineers.