Being part of SAMBa is like being part of a little community: everyone is super supportive and there is always someone to talk to if you need it (usually with cake!).
I was a MMath student at the University of Bath before becoming a SAMBa-aligned student. My project was funded by SAMBa’s industrial partner, Jacobs. This project involved using stochastic models to analyse the long-term behaviour of systems of neutrons in nuclear Reactors.
During these three years I spent several weeks at their offices in Dorchester understanding their software and explaining our work, as well as attending and presenting at their annual conference.
I also participated in several other SAMBa activities such as ITTs, presenting at the annual summer conference, being a student organiser for an LMS Research School, teaching in Mongolia and communicating maths to non-mathematicians.
SAMBa helped me by being able to demonstrate a knowledge of different areas of maths (probability, statistics, programming) and knowing how to bring them together to apply them to real-world problems was one of the main reasons I obtained my current position.
Although the application is different, the idea of bringing together different areas of maths to work with both academics and industry is a key part to the project. This, as well as attending ITTs to work with other departments, universities and industrial partners also was something that gave me an advantage during interviews and applications, since this is very important in Inria and not something every other mathematician has had the opportunity to do.
I found the one-on-one reading courses an incredible opportunity to both learn about a topic in detail, and to get to know a potential area and supervisor before starting my PhD
I can't imagine studying for my PhD anywhere other than SAMBa
I had the opportunity to get involved in some international training and capacity building activities with international partners and was able to travel to Brazil and Mongolia to share my knowledge of statistical methods and applications, which was really rewarding.
I enjoyed the big portfolio of opportunities I was given, which I believe is an essential property of SAMBa and something which truly makes the programme worth it
The ITTs were invaluable in providing experience in collaborating effectively with others on large projects, understanding and synthesising new information quickly, and liasing with academic leads and commercial partners
The ITTs can be really fun. The best part is that each time you participate you come out with a head full of new ideas and knowledge. Truly amazing
My experience in SAMBa shaped me as a versatile researcher with the ability to use maths to make an impact.
Being a part of SAMBa was a great way to broaden my research interests and to apply this knowledge to cross-displinary problems
SAMBa offers high level training in statistical and applied mathematical disciplines, as well as direct engagement with industrial partners
You get a lot of freedom to choose your research area...and there is a wide range of research areas within the department from which to choose