Alumni Newsletter

Science
The new 2016
Extravaganza
Mathsbombe
Competition
On Saturday 23rd April 2016, the School of Mathematics took part in
the Science Extravaganza at the Trafford Centre to celebrate Manchester’s
crowning as the 2016 European City of Science.
Manchester mathematicians took to intu Trafford Centre to offer visitors of all
ages the chance to take part in fun, immersive and informative scientific activities.
Participants were able to discover first hand how mathematics is relevant
to our everyday lives by learning about the science behind the (seemingly)
simple act of ribbon curling, which proved to be a big hit at the 2016 Big Bang
Fair in Birmingham a month earlier.
Professor Andrew Hazel and Dr. Charles Walkden led the
University’s stand, which engaged with over 80 families.
The aim of this inspiring and expansive free, public event
was not only to showcase the University’s pioneering research,
but also to demonstrate to young people, regardless
of socioeconomic backgrounds, that mathematics can
be fun and interesting to everyone.
Right: Professor Andrew Hazel demonstrating the mathematics
behind ribbon curling at the 2016 Big Bang Fair in
March 2016.
Answer to MathsBombe puzzle on previous page: 2044
Apprenticeships in Mathematics
Over the last two
years, the School of
Mathematics has
taken on an
apprentice from The
Skills Company. The
Skills Company offers
apprenticeships and traineeships across a wide range
of sectors to school leavers, young people and adults to
enhance their employability. This years’ apprentice,
Chloe-Alice Pike, tells about her time here in the
School.
I’m currently studying for my Level 2 Business Administration
NVQ, and have been placed at The University of Manchester
for my placement. The placement is one year long
and is spilt into two separate six-month placements. I began
my time at the University in The School of Mechanical,
Aerospace and Civil Engineering, and worked as an Academic
Support Assistant, before arriving here at the School of
Mathematics in March 2016.
I currently work as a PGR Admissions Assistant. On a
day-to-day basis my job responsibilities include processing
new PhD applications, liaising with applicants
and updating admissions records. I’ve found working
within admissions really interesting, as I enjoy reading
about the different kinds of applicants who apply to
study at the University, and finding out what has inspired
them to pursue Mathematics to this level.
Working at the School of Mathematics has taught me
so much. I work with a massive variety of people every
day, and I’ve learned that Mathematics isn’t actually
that scary!
The role has really helped me to focus on what kind of
career I would like to pursue once I’ve finished my
course. I work in the same office as the External
Relations team, and help out with careers and alumni
events. I really enjoy the organisation and
communication that goes into planning each event,
and I am definitely interested in developing my
knowledge and experience of this sector.
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