Was mathematics your first career choice or did your journey lead you to it unexpectedly?
Interestingly, mathematics wasn’t my dream career. Growing up in Thailand, the expectation was that a good student should aim to become a medical doctor. I initially followed that path, but I quickly realised I couldn’t handle the sight of blood! After not getting into medical school, I opted to Bachelor of Science, and that’s when math started to click for me. After completing my undergraduate degree, I left Thailand and moved to Australia to pursue my PhD.

Deciding to move to a new country is a significant step. What factors or influences helped you make the decision to go to Australia for your PhD?
It's a long story! I grew up in a small rural town in Thailand, surrounded by rice fields, and the idea of leaving my hometown was unimaginable. Even moving to Bangkok felt like a big deal at the time. My journey took a turn when I received a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, which also offered funding for postgraduate education. I passed all the tests and interviews, but I was hesitant about leaving. So, I kept the scholarship news a secret from my parents.

Things changed when a letter arrived at my family home, reminding me that the scholarship would expire soon if I didn’t secure a university offer. My dad found the letter and urged me to act, even though I was hesitant. With support from my university advisor, who connected me with Professor Jim Hill at the University of Wollongong, I was incredibly fortunate to secure an offer just before the deadline.

Moving to Australia for my PhD was a major shift and a steep learning curve, but it shaped my life profoundly. Although math wasn’t my original dream, I think I made the right choice.

What aspects of mathematics do you find most intriguing and fulfilling?
I’m an applied mathematician, and what I enjoy most is using math to solve real-world problems. For me, mathematics is a tool - it’s all about applying different techniques to tackle challenges in various fields. I’m driven by problems, whether they’re in engineering, nanotechnology, or other disciplines. While these areas might seem unrelated, at their core, they’re all about applying mathematics to uncover solutions.

For example, during my time at the University of Wollongong, I collaborated with chemists on a project involving dye-sensitised solar cells. I explored the structure of these solar cells, specifically looking at how electron density is distributed within them and worked on optimising their efficiency. It was fascinating to contribute as a mathematician to a project rooted in chemistry.

Another example comes from my background in mechanics, particularly in granular materials. I was approached by geotechnical engineers to study porous structures and flow dynamics in railway ballast. That collaboration resulted in a successful ARC Linkage project, where we investigated how granular materials behave under different conditions. For me, it’s all about building those interdisciplinary relationships and seeing the real-world impact of the work we do.

Could you share your experience and insights from participating in the research program 'Instabilities of Flows in Porous Media' at MATRIX?
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at MATRIX. I wish I could have come earlier, but teaching and family commitments kept me from attending until now. I gave my talk yesterday and received great feedback. One of the best parts of this workshop has been the ample collaboration time. I’ve had the chance to connect with people who share similar interests and exchange ideas, especially on topics like acid groundwater and microbial growth in porous structures.

I’ve had valuable discussions with others about microbial growth and its effects in porous media. For example, Chris Green presented on hydrogen storage and the issues caused by microbial growth in underground caverns, which ties into my work on acid groundwater and how bacteria can clog porous structures. Anya Slim’s research on bacterial oxidation of iron in rocks, causing colour changes, also connects with these themes. These discussions have been incredibly useful for understanding the broader applications of microbial effects in porous systems.

I also had a great conversation with Marc Hesse about pH effects in rocks and porous media. We explored equations to model dominant microbial effects and discussed the types of microbes that play key roles. This exchange of ideas has been inspiring and will help refine my work.

Additionally, I’ve been impressed by the students here, and tomorrow they’ll present their findings from the last three weeks. One student was particularly interested in fractional calculus, and we discussed how it could apply to his research on porous media. It’s exciting to see such curiosity and enthusiasm in the next generation of researchers.

MATRIX has provided a relaxed yet stimulating environment, ideal for deep discussions and learning about others' research. Facilities like this play a significant role in advancing academic work. It serves as a great model for fostering collaboration. I’m excited to see the outcomes of these collaborations in the future!

What do you think are the most important factors for building a successful academic career, and how have these played a role in your own experience?
I’d say a combination of hard work, finding good mentors, and building a strong network is crucial. Finding someone who can guide you is invaluable. This doesn’t always have to be your supervisor or even someone in your specific field. It could be someone you meet at a conference who provides sound advice. A mentor can help with decisions like which jobs to apply for and where to submit your papers.

I also think it’s important to share your work with the public. Attending workshops, going to conferences, and engaging with people help to build connections, not just for advancing your research, but for creating opportunities for collaboration, receiving feedback, and even opening doors for future jobs. These interactions make your research more impactful and visible.

For me, I found a sense of belonging in the Australian and New Zealand Industrial and Applied Mathematics (ANZIAM) community. I started attending their conferences as a PhD student and have continued almost every year since. Over time, I built lasting friendships and collaborations that have lasted decades. Being part of a community like this gives you a sense of place and support. Being part of a community like this provides a sense of place and support, and it can truly make a difference in your career.