Piper Cole thinks maths is beautiful. UTS showed her why

What degree are you studying at UTS?

I am studying a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences.

What do you enjoy most about studying at UTS?

I love meeting people who are passionate about their fields — and the teachers here at UTS are exactly that. They are so excited to share what they know, and it's contagious. It might surprise you to know how often I hear them use words like "beautiful", "lovely", "really cool" and "elegant" when teaching us new content. That's the kind of energy that makes you fall in love with the subject all over again.

What other activities do you do at uni?

I am currently in two student clubs at UTS — the UTS Mathematics Society and Credo (Christ for UTS) — and I'm always listening to interesting podcasts in between. Connecting with fellow UTS students at the same life stage as you, with different experiences but a shared passion, is truly rewarding.

Student community is everything at a large university like UTS. There's never a day I don't run into a familiar face on campus. Through my clubs, I get to hear perspectives from people with different life experiences, different faculties and different goals — and that's something I really value. I love that at UTS I can grow my education and my whole self at the same time.

What is it like to study Mathematical Sciences at UTS?

The content will surprise you

The Maths you do in high school is nothing compared to what's out there. The subjects available give you a taste of everything, while the opportunities available give you the ability to pursue anything. Early in my degree, I was introduced to Operations Research — a field that uses mathematics to support and improve decision-making. I am now being supported by my Course Director to pursue further study in that area. That kind of door-opening happens here all the time.

The staff bring the real world into the classroom

Honestly, the staff go above and beyond, they care about what they teach and have real-world industry experience and connections. They are always willing to help you find and pursue new opportunities. It's one of the things I love most about UTS.

The support is real

Whether you are navigating a difficult period in life, trying to keep up with content, or looking to explore further pathways — there is support available for all of it. You are not on your own.

What advice would you give to students studying Mathematics at UTS?

Join the Maths Society! And make the most of your tutors and lecturers. Ask them questions, ask them for help, ask them about their fields, ask them about opportunities in Maths — they will be genuinely excited to tell you. Uni is what you make it, and to get the most out of it, you need to engage with it.

What would you like to do once you complete your degree?

I would like to complete an Honours degree, then move into the field of Operations Research and Management Science — using mathematics to provide insight into real-world decision-making. I believe in using my skills and opportunities to help others, and that is exactly what I want to do.

I also want to be an advocate for girls and women in Maths. It is such a beautiful, creative and interesting discipline, and every person deserves access to it. We cannot afford to lose any more future mathematicians to discrimination and sexism.