Meet AMSI Alumni – Ashley Weir

Ashley Weir

AMSI BioInfoSummer 2021, organising committee of AMSI BioInfoSummer 2024.

What is your role in the Mathematical Sciences?

I am currently undertaking a PhD at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, in the field of “bioinformatics”, which aims to utilise mathematics and data science to advance our understanding of biology. My project specifically uses machine learning approaches to characterise the therapeutically targetable features of ovarian cancers. This means I use some form of mathematics every single day, though as someone who always felt they were “bad” at math and had no formal training, I must confess (and emphasise) that I am far from a mathematician!

I am really passionate about STEM education and have a particular interest in mathematics, as I feel it often gets a bad rap. Outside of my PhD, I have designed and facilitated educational programs that showcase mathematical applications in science as the Education Program Developer of the Museum of Human Disease and as a Scientist Mentor of the Gene Technology Access Centre. I also work as a private tutor of mathematics at primary and secondary schooling levels, which is a lot of fun.

How did your experience at BioInfoSummer influence your current research?

When I attended AMSI’s BioInfoSummer of 2021, I was working as a research assistant in a biological laboratory and had absolutely no formal training in mathematics or data science. I had found that I really enjoyed digging into the data that I was generating and wanted to further develop these skills. I am someone that learns best through practical experience, though I felt that I lacked the foundations to jump right in. I simply did not know what existed and therefore could not grasp what could be done. Thankfully, I came across AMSI through a quick internet search and was instantly intrigued by the BioInfoSummer event. It seemed like the program would give me the opportunity to engage with a wide range of analytical fields, and to also apply my understanding.

Attending BioInfoSummer was an eye-opening experience! Through the lectures, I was exposed to a really broad range of topics and could appreciate different mathematical applications in science. I was then able to delve deeper into topics I was interested in through the workshops. It gave me the perfect introduction to the intersection of mathematics and biology.

My current research has been heavily influenced by my experiences at BioInfoSummer. Over the course of the event, I gained a lot of confidence in my abilities and accordingly, decided to pursue a PhD in applied mathematics and biology, or “bioinformatics”. One of my first interactions with my now PhD supervisor, Dr Nadia Davidson, took place over a great workshop she was running to identify fusion genes from transcriptomic data, at BioInfoSummer. Further, my first ever introduction to machine learning, one of the focuses of my current research, was through an excellent workshop given by Dr Benjamin Goudey at BioInfoSummer. BioInfoSummer supported my transition into the field of bioinformatics.

How did your experience at BioInfoSummer influence your role as a committee member?

Having attended BioInfoSummer, I recognise the importance of the student experience. For many, BioInfoSummer provides an introduction to several fields of applied mathematics and therefore an opportunity to engage with those that engage them at a greater depth. As one of the committee members planning the “Emerging Technologies” day, I have been excited to help design a program that will hopefully be not only informative, but exciting. We have planned several workshops, applying cutting edge mathematical methods, to hopefully allow attendees to engage with the material they have encountered in the lectures given, in a fun and interactive way.

What challenges have you encountered while planning events, and how have you addressed them?

Planning educational events is always a balancing act. It can be challenging to find manage the tradeoff between breadth and depth, and I really do believe that having an opportunity to apply an understanding is an essential part of education. The combination of lectures and workshops at BioInfoSummer means that the event is not only a great way to meet like-minded individuals and learn about topics of interest, but an opportunity to apply this learning, which attendees will hopefully find valuable. We have kept this in mind while planning BioInfoSummer and have tried to complement lectures with relevant workshops wherever possible.

What new topics or areas are you hoping to introduce to BioInfoSummer to keep it relevant and impactful for attendees?

This year, BioInfoSummer will be held over three days and will focus on whole cell modelling, machine learning and AI for genomics and emerging technologies in science. These are expanding areas of interest, that the organising committee have carefully selected, with the hope that they be of current and increasing relevance to attendees. I personally am really excited about the program this year, and actually plan on attending some of the sessions myself!

How do your experiences in education, such as developing programs for the Museum of Human Disease, influence your approach to organising educational content for BioInfoSummer?

My background in education has definitely influenced my approach to organising BioInfoSummer. It has helped me to recognise the importance of not only presenting exciting and new topics, but also scaffolding the understanding of attendees. We have tried to make the program both accessible and engaging, with a focus on ensuring the workshops complement the material covered in the lectures. I think this can really help to support individuals in continuing their learning after the event has concluded.

What do you hope for the future of mathematics in Australia and globally?

I hope that an emphasis is placed on ensuring mathematics is accessible for all. Unfortunately, it seems that the negative stigma attached to mathematics, as a difficult subject, persists. As a society, I feel our attitude towards mathematics needs to shift, and I feel that the key to this is to provide opportunities for individuals of all ages to continue their training in mathematics. I have personally been extremely privileged to have had access to opportunities to re-engage with mathematics as an adult, through events like BioInfoSummer. This ongoing education has not only fostered the development of my mathematical proficiencies but has increased my overall willingness to engage with mathematics and feel confident while doing so! I have been extremely lucky and suspect that my journey may be the exception rather than the rule. Increased efforts to support equitable access to mathematical training at all stages of life are needed. We should never stop learning and I hope that in the present and future, our focus shifts towards making mathematical education both more accessible and encouraged at all points of life.

What are your hobbies or interests outside of work? 

I’m quite obsessed with marine biology. In my spare time I can often be found snorkeling and taking pictures at my local marine sanctuary! I particularly love sea slugs and help with cataloging different species every chance that I get!

This interview is part of our AMSI alumni Series. If you’re an AMSI alumni, we would love to hear what you have been up to! Tag us in your posts on LinkedIn and X @DiscoverAMSI so we can share your achievements. Please contact us if you would like to be featured in our monthly newsletter: media@amsi.org.au.