Wajid Ali
2021 - Admitted to the Master’s Program at the University of Marseille and then to the PhD at the University of Liverpool, UK
How did you decide to study mathematics at university?
This is a difficult question. I would say, compared to other subjects, I was pretty good at mathematics in high school which motivated me to choose this direction. In high School, I was always fascinated by the fact that you learn some techniques and then you are able to solve different problems with it. Also, compared to other subjects, you need not to memorize everything.
So, did you begin your studies in Pakistan?
Yes, I did my Bachelors and Masters in mathematics at University of Peshawar, Peshawar- the city of flowers, close to Pak-Afghan border.
What you studied in bachelors and masters?
In Bachelors we studied courses mostly on fundamental mathematics but some introductory courses on physics and statistics as well. In my bachelors last year research project, I wrote a thesis on some theorems on existence, uniqueness and stability of differential equations. In my masters, I attended some courses in the first year and in second year I wrote a thesis on mathematical models in biology.
Very interesting. What was it about?
It was about models of populations, such as, how different interactions between individuals impact the evolution of populations.
Did you use some technique of numerical analysis to solve this kind of problems or was it quite about theoretical mathematics?
The foundation of these models was purely theoretical based on some classical models. Mathematical models come in a variety of flavors, the models I studied were in the form of differential equations. I looked at some qualitative properties of these models, for example, stability and bifurcation analysis. Well, I believe, there are two common practices in mathematical modelling. One way is developing models based on your understanding or assumptions and intuitions about the problem. Later, you test the model with simulated or real data. The second way is that you have some data in hand and you use some statistical and machine learning techniques to model the data.
How did you discover the IMM Pakistan Program?
I was attending a talk by Professor Stefano Luzzatto in Pakistan at the Abdus Salam School of Mathematical Sciences in Lahore. After the talk I met him and discussed about master’s opportunities in Europe. Actually, at that time, I was interested in the ICTP Diploma Program… but unfortunately, I wasn’t selected. Stefano suggested that I should apply for this new program starting in Lahore, so I applied there and I got selected.
And then?
I joined the first year of the IMM Program, but then I was offered a one-year master’s scholarship at Aix- Marseille University, France. I left IMM in the middle, because it was a very good opportunity to go to study in Europe, and moreover it was specifically about applied mathematics and mathematical modeling, which is what I wanted to study.
And after France what happened?
Then I got a position in an EU-project and I came here to the University of Liverpool. It is a three-year position as an early stage researcher and I am also enrolled in PhD. I have just finished the first year of the program.
What are you working on at the moment?
In general, I am working on models of evolution in network-structured populations. Currently, I’m looking at two problems: network-based models of infectious diseases like coronavirus and modelling eco-evolutionary dynamics in structured meta-populations. Mostly, I use tools from graph theory, differential equations and a little game theory as well. Simulating these models is also a big part of my work. See here, Wajid Ali - University of Liverpool.
What do you like so much about mathematical modeling?
Well, I would say that it is a kind of immediate application of mathematics: with the help of some very basic mathematics you can have some beautiful insights of the real-world scenarios. The theoretical part of math is very fascinating; however, the applications always encourage and motivate you. In general, mathematics is one of the important keys to understand nature. It helps to understand the hidden beauty and patterns in nature. Mathematics makes it easier and possible to understand and visualize things which are beyond our common intuitions.
Your path is wonderful. Are you satisfied with your study experience until now?
I would say yes: I’m doing what I wanted to do, and this is a big reason for satisfaction. I got a good position related to my interests.
What role did the IMM Program have in this path?
Well, I learned some interesting courses there. The courses and teaching standard were very high. The IMM team always encouraged us to apply for positions in Europe. Also, the professors wrote recommendation letters for my masters in France- these letters played a key role in the selection process. During my time at IMM, I met very nice fellows and some great teachers, at least in the first period – unfortunately, COVID came into play later.
Do you have some plans for the immediate future?
After my current position in Liverpool, I will probably look for some research positions to continue my research. Oh, and I am excited to visit ICTP next year: in my role in an EU project and I’m supposed to visit University of Torino for three months. It will be an opportunity to finally visit Trieste.
Do you plan to go back to Pakistan at a certain point?
Definitely. I would like to share my skills and experiences. In fact, I have already started doing so: I’ve created a platform for young students in Pakistan, named “The Mathematics Education and Training Foundation” (TheMath ETF (google.com). The aim is to train fresh graduates and final year students in mathematics for masters and PhDs abroad. I invite my fellow researchers and friends for talks and mini-courses. Well, this is just the beginning: in the future I will definitely want to go back to Pakistan and deliver what I’ve learned during my stay here.
What advice would you give to young students?
I can only say that, don’t underestimate your abilities and please do not stop trying and exploring. There are a lot of opportunities waiting for you. Work seriously on your application materials and apply to as many positions as you can. They can always contact me for guidance on wajidaliuop22@gmail.com.
This is beautiful. Thank you so much for your time.
