Welcome to The Random Sample! In this podcast, we share stories about mathematics, statistics, data science and the people involved. This is a collaboration between the Australian Data Science Network (ADSN), the Statistical Society of Australia (SSA), the Australian Mathematical Society (AustMS), the OPTIMA ARC Training Centre, the MATRIX Mathematical Research Institute, and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers (ACEMS). ACEMS created the podcast in 2018. For further resources and show notes, visit therandomsample.com.au

Welcome to The Random Sample! In this podcast, we share stories about mathematics, statistics, data science and the people involved. This is a collaboration between the Australian Data Science Network (ADSN), the Statistical Society of Australia (SSA), the Australian Mathematical Society (AustMS), the OPTIMA ARC Training Centre, the MATRIX Mathematical Research Institute, and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers (ACEMS). ACEMS created the podcast in 2018. For further resources and show notes, visit <a href="https://www.therandomsample.com.au/">therandomsample.com.au</a>

Stories about mathematics, statistics and the people involved

The Random Sample

Bonus Track: Dr Alexandra Knight discusses her research + starting a PhD later in life

High school mathematics in Australia is often driven by one thing: those high-stakes Year 12 exams. In this episode, we take a fresh look at how high school maths is taught. We’re joined by someone who’s making waves in education: Donna Buckley, a mathematics and cybersecurity teacher from John Curtin College of the Arts in Western Australia. In 2023, Donna received the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools, recognised for inspiring students of all backgrounds to see the power of maths beyond the classroom and even opening their eyes to careers in STEM. Donna brings a unique perspective on the gap between what mathematicians do and what high school maths has become.  Donna also shares how she is shaking things up in the classroom, inspiring creativity, and connecting maths to her students’ interests – whether it’s the geometry of fashion, the patterns in textiles, or even using Dr. Seuss to introduce concepts in AI and chatbots. This episode covers a lot of ground on the perceptions of maths and how it’s taught, so get ready for an eye-opening discussion.Our host for this episode is Rose Crocker, an applied mathematician with the Australian Institute of Marine Science.  You can find links to what Donna talked in the episode on our website: https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/maths-education-donna-buckley/

High school mathematics in Australia is often driven by one thing: those high-stakes Year 12 exams. In this episode, we take a fresh look at how high school maths is taught. We’re joined by someone who’s making waves in education: Donna Buckley, a mathematics and cybersecurity teacher from John Curtin College of the Arts in Western Australia. In 2023, Donna received the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools, recognised for inspiring students of all backgrounds to see the power of maths beyond the classroom and even opening their eyes to careers in STEM. Donna brings a unique perspective on the gap between what mathematicians do and what high school maths has become.  Donna also shares how she is shaking things up in the classroom, inspiring creativity, and connecting maths to her students’ interests – whether it’s the geometry of fashion, the patterns in textiles, or even using Dr. Seuss to introduce concepts in AI and chatbots. This episode covers a lot of ground on the perceptions of maths and how it’s taught, so get ready for an eye-opening discussion.Our host for this episode is Rose Crocker, an applied mathematician with the Australian Institute of Marine Science.  You can find links to what Donna talked in the episode on our website: <a href="https://www.therandomsample.com.au/?post_type=podcast&amp;p=1695&amp;preview=true">https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/maths-education-donna-buckley/</a>

Mathematics, creativity & connection: Rethinking maths education in Australia

Atherosclerosis is a silent but deadly condition. It happens when your arteries get clogged with plaque, restricting blood flow and putting you at serious risk for heart attacks and strokes. But here’s the fascinating part: maths is stepping up to help doctors and scientists understand how this condition develops and progresses.

In this episode, we’re joined by two brilliant minds who organised a recent research program at MATRIX, Australia’s residential institute for the mathematical sciences. University of Oxford Professor Helen Byrne sits down with the University of Sydney’s Professor Mary Myerscough. Together, they unpack the complexities of using maths to model biological conditions like atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a silent but deadly condition. It happens when your arteries get clogged with plaque, restricting blood flow and putting you at serious risk for heart attacks and strokes. But here’s the fascinating part: maths is stepping up to help doctors and scientists understand how this condition develops and progresses.
In this episode, we’re joined by two brilliant minds who organised a recent research program at MATRIX, Australia’s residential institute for the mathematical sciences. University of Oxford Professor Helen Byrne sits down with the University of Sydney’s Professor Mary Myerscough. Together, they unpack the complexities of using maths to model biological conditions like atherosclerosis.

Maths Models Shed New Light on Hidden Heart Risks – with Professors Helen Byrne & Mary Myerscough

The 2024 WIMSIG Conference celebrates the achievements of women, trans and gender diverse people in the mathematical sciences.

WIMSIG stands for the Women in Mathematics Special Interest Group. The group is a part of the Australian Mathematical Society.

WIMSIG just wrapped up its third-ever conference with a big gathering in Sydney.

In this episode, we’ll explore how WIMSIG came into being, why it’s so important, and what it means for all those who attend a WIMSIG conference.

Our guests are:
Professor Jennifer Flegg – The University of Melbourne and Chair of the WIMSIG Executive Committee
Professor Jessica Purcell – Monash University and President of the Australian Mathematical Society (AustMS)
 Professor Lesley Ward – University of South Australia and Chair of the 1st WIMSIG Conference

The host is Dr Sevvandi Kandanaarachchi, a Senior Research Scientist at CSIRO.

Episode link: https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/wimsig-conference/

The 2024 WIMSIG Conference celebrates the achievements of women, trans and gender diverse people in the mathematical sciences.
WIMSIG stands for the Women in Mathematics Special Interest Group. The group is a part of the Australian Mathematical Society.
WIMSIG just wrapped up its third-ever conference with a big gathering in Sydney.
In this episode, we’ll explore how WIMSIG came into being, why it’s so important, and what it means for all those who attend a WIMSIG conference.
Our guests are:
<ul>
<li>Professor Jennifer Flegg – The University of Melbourne and Chair of the WIMSIG Executive Committee</li>
<li>Professor Jessica Purcell – Monash University and President of the Australian Mathematical Society (AustMS)</li>
<li> Professor Lesley Ward – University of South Australia and Chair of the 1st WIMSIG Conference</li>
</ul>
The host is Dr Sevvandi Kandanaarachchi, a Senior Research Scientist at CSIRO.
Episode link: <a href="https://www.therandomsample.com.au/?post_type=podcast&amp;p=1667&amp;preview=true">https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/wimsig-conference/</a>

Bonus Track: Dr Alexandra Knight discusses her research + starting a PhD later in life

The Random Sample

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