I’m currently doing a PhD
on the integration of railway
track maintenance and train timetabling. This involves using
mathematical equations to work out ways of servicing train tracks without causing delays or potential
accidents. The project not only involves safety issues but is also worth
millions of dollars - so it’s pretty important we get it right!
During my fourth year at UniSA I got the opportunity to study for five months at the University of Twente in the Netherlands where I worked on a project investigating the process of assigning lawyers to the criminal court system in Amsterdam. It was a truly worthwhile experience and UniSA provided me with a $2,000 travel allowance, which paid for my flight, my tuition fees were wavered and I was provided with accommodation and a living allowance.
The teaching staff here at UniSA are fantastic and they always have time to help you. Nearly everyone has done, or is doing, research and so they bring that back into the lecture theatre and share their knowledge and experience with you.
It sounds clichéd, but to successfully undertake a PhD really requires effective time management skills. Balancing work, research, study and a social life can be stressful at times and you’re constantly making sacrifices - but ultimately it will pay off in career direction and earning power.
After I complete my PhD I’d like to apply for a research grant overseas. People are crying out for maths graduates in fields that you don’t even think of. There’s such a shortage of maths students that when you graduate you’re snapped up almost immediately.
Amie Albrecht
Graduate, Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours) (Computing and
Mathematics), 2002
Winner, Hypatia Scholarship, 1997
Winner, APA Postgraduate Scholarship, 2002
Chancellors Merit Award List, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Deans Merit Award List, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
For further information about UniSA information technology programs please contact the Program Information Centre, email admissions@unisa.edu.au or check out Study at UniSA.
