Page 25 - Careers in Mathematics

Statistics Lecturer previous movies that a user has watched, taking into account the
genre, and so on. of the film.

While I did not necessarily seek out becoming an academic, it is
I chose something that came naturally to me. While I was completing my MSc
Mathematics degree at UWC, the opportunity arose for me to join the Statistics
and Statistics and Population Studies department and I remember thinking, “well
as my career, why not?” and I couldn’t think of a better career path for myself.
Humphrey
as it’s the one
field of study My research interests are in the areas of big data analytics and the
that allows me application of statistical learning methodologies. The fields of
Brydon
to apply my Mathematics and Statistics are gaining more attention and becoming
th
knowledge to increasingly prevalent with the advent of the 4 Industrial
a broad range of applications. The Revolution, and as businesses start to realise the value in the
methodologies of these two interrelated application of various methodologies of these fields. A lot of the
fields are applicable in most, if not all knowledge I have originates from my student years, but - as with any
sectors and, therefore I am not limited specialisation - I need to keep up with the latest developments,
in my research fields as an academic. methodologies and their application.

My journey to becoming a lecturer was To keep up with the latest trends, I read a lot of articles and
not as straightforward as it would seem. conference proceedings. I also try to attend a minimum of one local
I started my academic studies in and one international conference rooted in Statistics every year. By
Computer Science, and during my 2nd attending these conferences, I keep abreast of what fellow
year I decided to switch to Mathematics researchers in the field are focussing their minds on and gain insight
and Statistics – a decision I have never into what the next ‘big thing’ might be.
regretted. I have now gone on to
complete my PhD in Statistics, and my As an academic, my day is divided between lectures and
current research is on the topic of consultations with students or staff. I spend the rest of my time
Factorisation Machines. Recommender working on research projects either as part of a team or individually.
Systems use Factorisation Machines My greatest joy is witnessing students enjoying what they are
where data is sparse but contains many studying but also, and more importantly, seeing them excited when
observations and features (these can they are working and enjoying applying their knowledge and skillsets
sometimes range into the millions). For at work.
example, Netflix uses a Recommender
System to suggest movies based on The job of an academic is demanding, so whatever spare time I have,
I spend socialising with my family and friends.

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