Gianmarco Bet
University of Firenze, Italy
Since 2019, Gianmarco is a junior researcher at Università degli Studi di Firenze. Before this, he got his PhD in applied probability at Eindhoven University of Technology. His PhD research focused on the critical scaling of time-inhomogeneous queueing systems. He holds a Master’s in mathematics from Università degli Studi di Padova and a Master’s in theoretical physics from Imperial College London.
How would you define your field of study? What is your vision about it? Which are the topics you're most passionate about?
Currently I am working on several research lines which are quite far apart from each other. For example, I am helping with building pricing models for banks, I am trying to build realistic models for electricity networks, and I am helping to study matter interferometers. The common thread of these projects is that probability can say something new and interesting about them. I see probability as an intrinsically multidisciplinary subject. Probability appears everywhere, from the quantum properties of matter, to Amazon’s delivery algorithms. Because of this, I try to interact with researchers from different backgrounds as much as possible. This is a constant source of inspiration for new cool problems. I am particularly passionate about the field of complex systems, which intersects with probability in many places. I find these questions fascinating: how does complexity emerge? Why are complex system often surprisingly stable? What are the essential features of complex systems?
How do you expect your experience in IMM to be? Why did you accept to teach for this project?
I am sure this will be a great opportunity to interact with many talented and motivated students. This is the best part of my job, after all! I accepted because teaching for me is the best way to give back to society some of what I have been given. I come from a relatively privileged background, and I have never had difficulties following my passions. Because of this, I am passionate about helping students with their dream of studying and working in mathematics.
What is your teaching philosophy? What would you like to transmit to your students? How do you motivate them?
I don’t see myself as an infallible source of knowledge. Rather, as a person who has had just more time to think through the things I am teaching. Because of this, rather than just stating facts, I prefer to give a personal take to my teaching, sharing my (limited) experience, tricks and neat things that I have found along the way. There are two things that motivated me while studying mathematics: surprising results, and connections to everyday life. I try to sprinkle a bit of both during my teaching.
Do you have one of two favorite quotes you would like to share and/or a personal “motto”?
Anything by Richard Feynman, really. For example:
"… I find that teaching and the students keep life going, and I would never accept any position in which somebody has invented a happy situation for me where I don’t have to teach. Never.”
or
What I cannot create I do not understand.” (this was written on his blackboard at the time of his death).