Six inspirational young female mathematicians are set to benefit from a game-changing two-year scholarship offered by the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI).
Now expanded to a nationwide program thanks to the generosity of two additional donors, the $8000 AMSI Female Specialist Maths Scholarship aims to address persistently low participation rates of female students in Specialist Mathematics.
Mission
The scholarships are open to Year 10 female students who intend to study Specialist Maths (Mathematics Extension in NSW) in Years 11 and 12. All eligible students must reside in areas of historically low mathematics participation and experience or be likely to experience disadvantage.
Through this initiative, AMSI seeks to empower young women to pursue advanced-level mathematics, fostering their confidence and capabilities to excel in the field — paving the way for greater gender equity in mathematics and related disciplines.
Scholarship recipients will receive a $6000 cash award, along with access to university-level mathematics resources, mentorship from leading academics and industry professionals, skill-building and peer-networking workshops, and a technology package. Together, these benefits are valued at $8000.
Expansion
Originally named the Yuille-Umbers Female Specialist Maths High School Scholarships in honour of the legacies of Ethel Yuille and Mary Umbers, the grandmothers of founding donors Tim Brown and Catriona De Vere, the program was renamed in 2025 following the addition of two new sponsors, one anonymous, and the other being Jane Street, whose generosity has expanded the scholarship’s reach from Victoria to a nationwide initiative.
The scholarships were warmly welcomed by teachers and students across Australia, with 135 applications of exceptionally high quality received by AMSI.
Dedication
Commenting on the announcement, Professor Tim Marchant, Director of AMSI, noted that the six scholarship recipients are among the most dedicated and exceptional mathematics students in Australia, “Several of these students come from regional, low socio-economic status schools who can’t offer Specialist Mathematics”, he said. “This has meant that many will study the subject online and outside of school hours. These six recipients are all inspirational scholars who will find a way to pursue a career in mathematics against all odds.”
Meet our 2025 scholars:
Awarded in the name of Jane Street:
Emily Ngo, Cabramatta High School, NSW: Mathematics has always been a fascinating concept for me, where numbers and the world around us connect like an infinite puzzle with endless possibilities. My passion for mathematics comes from its ability to challenge and push me to new heights, where my skill, love and determination to study drive me towards my goals. My study of Extension Mathematics in Years 11 and 12 will be strengthened by this opportunity… I aspire to spark change within STEM and encourage other young women to participate and excel in the field.
Chloe Mahoney, MacKillop Catholic College, QLD: I have a passion for mathematics; I’m drawn to its logical and problem-solving nature that challenges me to think critically and prepares me for real-world applications. I find maths intriguing and fun, with concepts that often seem outlandish yet work in remarkable ways, sparking my curiosity and motivating me to learn more. This scholarship will support me in achieving my best in Specialist Mathematics. Whether applying mathematics to engineering, or medical sciences, I am motivated to use this scholarship to continue building a future where maths remains at the heart of my work and passions.
Abigael Cordero, Berri Regional Secondary College, SA: Mathematics is a subject that I value deeply because of the discipline that it teaches. Achieving success in maths involves analytical thinking, resilience and the willingness to learn from your mistakes. Beyond numbers and symbols, mathematics develops problem-solving skills that are essential in real-world applications. As a recipient of this scholarship, my goal is to further strengthen my problem-solving and analytical skills in Specialist Maths for 2026 and 2027. It will also prepares me for my future aspirations, where I aim to pursue a career in dentistry. The discipline, resilience and problem-solving skills developed through mathematics are essential to foster a safe and effective working environment.
Abigail McCallum, Sheffield School, TAS: Mathematics has always been a subject of interest and enjoyment to me, I like how everything connects in different areas of maths, it reminds me of the different parts of a machine that make it work, and how there are right and wrong answers. My goal in Years 11 and 12 is to continue studying advance Mathematics and Chemistry, aiming to also complete the maths units within the Utas High Achievers Program. I am aiming to enter university to study a Bachelor of Science, majoring in mathematics and chemistry. With the AMSI Female Specialist Maths Jane Street Scholarship, coming from a small rural town, I will have more opportunities and resources to extend my Maths knowledge and share my interest and enjoyment in maths with like-minded people. After completing my university studies, I would like to enter a career in environmental science.
Sylvia Ho, St Albans Secondary College, VIC: From a young age, I have been driven by a desire to understand how the world works. Mathematics, particularly Specialist Mathematics, gives me a powerful tool to explore that curiosity. What I love most about maths is its ability to turn complex questions into moments of clarity. Each challenging problem strengthens my confidence, resilience, and belief that persistence leads to understanding. Being selected is both an honour and a motivation. Through this opportunity, I will deepen my mathematical thinking, learn from inspiring mentors and grow in a community that values curiosity and ambition. I aspire to pursue a career in science and mathematics-related fields, where mathematics is the key component to solving real-world problems and driving innovation.
Awarded in the name of Praeger-Henstridge:
Alice Navarre, Esperance Senior High School, WA: My enjoyment of mathematics stems from a deep curiosity about how the world operates at both fundamental and complex levels. Mathematics provides a structured yet creative framework through which patterns in physics, chemistry, technology, and even human behaviour can be understood and connected. I am particularly drawn to the idea that a single problem can be approached and solved through multiple pathways, all leading to the same truth. My goal is to further develop my mathematical thinking and apply it meaningfully to contemporary and future scientific challenges. I am especially motivated by mathematics’ role as a universal language — one that transcends borders and cultures — and its power to drive innovation in science and technology. Looking ahead, I aspire to pursue a career in astrophysics, where advanced mathematics will allow me to explore and explain cosmic phenomena.
Transformative
Commenting on the announcement, Cheryl Praeger AC and Dr John Henstridge — after whom our anonymous donor wished the WA scholarship to be named — noted they were delighted by the program’s nationwide rollout. “We’re delighted that the program has been extended nationally and that one of the recipients, Alice Navarre, is from our state — in fact, from Esperance Senior High School.”
“Awards of scholarships like this can be life-changing for young girls”, they continued. “Especially those in regional areas, both for the financial support they provide and also in building confidence for recipients. Young people with strong mathematics skills are the future of our country, and this scholarship program, we hope, will be transformative for the next generation.”
