The Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) is delighted to announce the recipients of the inaugural Yuille-Umbers Female Specialist Maths High School Scholarships.
Seeking to address the ongoing problem of low participation rates of female students in specialist maths, these two-year scholarships will support selected Victorian female school students with resources and mentoring to continue the pursuit of maths at the most advanced level in year 11 and 12.
Scholarship recipients will have access to support from AMSI maths teaching specialists, the opportunity to attend AMSI programs, meet current university maths students, academics and industry partners – to be inspired by all that continuing to study maths has to offer.
Founding donors, Professor Tim Brown and Catriona De Vere say the scholarships are to honour the legacies of Ethel (“Elsie”) Yuille and Catherine Mary (“Maimie”) Umbers, grandmothers of the donors, aimed at empowering future generations of women through educational opportunities. They also honour their mothers, Pamela Hudson and June De Vere.
“All four women showed remarkable resilience and independence in overcoming huge challenges, empowering us with the love of education knowing that learning would transform our lives”, Catriona and Tim said.
“It is wonderful for us to offer these opportunities inspired by all four women’s remarkable generosity, certain that the highest level of mathematics education will open many doors for the recipients.”
AMSI Foundation Chairman, Dr Les Trudzik says this fostering of the growth of female mathematical capabilities is an example of building self-confidence and empowering young women to participate in driving innovation and progress essential for Australia’s future.
“It is hoped that these scholarships will encourage other similar contributions, all investing in a more inclusive and forward-thinking society,” Dr Trudzik said.
Meet the 2024 Scholars
Grace Bramwell: Currently in Year 10 at Cobram Secondary College, Grace finds joy in the complexity and beauty of mathematics. She hopes to combine her love of maths with future studies in climate science or zoology while also considering a career as a maths teacher.
Mia Costa: A Year 10 student at St Albans Secondary College, Mia values the problem-solving mindset fostered by mathematics. She plans to use the scholarship to achieve her dream of becoming a biomedical or chemical engineer, fields that heavily rely on mathematics.
Crystal Lam: A Year 10 student at Thomastown Secondary College, Crystal has already completed Units 1 and 2 of Mathematical Methods. Passionate about mathematics, Crystal aspires to become a high school maths teacher and inspire more girls to pursue careers in STEAM.
Natalia Shimona: Studying at Elevation Secondary College, Natalia is captivated by the universality and challenge of mathematics. Inspired by trailblazing architect Zaha Hadid, she aspires to a career in architecture, where she can merge her love for math and art to solve real-world problems.
The four scholars, selected from an exceptionally talented pool of applicants across Victoria, will engage in a two-year program offering:
- Access to university-level mathematics resources.
- Immersive mentorship with leading academics and professionals.
- Skills-building workshops and opportunities to connect with peers and industry experts.
The donation was made to the AMSI Foundation in support of AMSI’s unwavering commitment to strengthen the mathematical sciences pipeline, which includes improvement in diversity of mathematical sciences students and workforce cohorts and the achievement of fair and equitable access and outcomes for under‑represented groups.
For further information about the scholars and the program, please visit: https://amsi.org.au/amsi-foundation/yuille-umbers-scholarships/
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For interview:
Professor Tim Marchant, Director, Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute and Director, AMSI Foundation
To arrange interviews or for more information please contact:
Sarah Ramantanis: Marketing, Communications and Events Coordinator, Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute
M: 0478 893 183 E: sarah.ramantanis@amsi.org.au
About AMSI:
The Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) is Australia’s national voice and champion for mathematics and statistics. A not-for-profit, the Institute works with schools, universities, industry, government and the community to help shape policy and skill Australia for the future.
About AMSI Foundation:
Established in 2016, AMSI Foundation is a Trust established for the purpose of providing money, property or benefit to or for eligible entities. AMSI Foundation is primarily focussed on supporting activities that achieve the mission and vision of the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI).
