MY Camper Monica Foszto: Mathematical understanding of the society
Soon 18-year-old Monica Foszto is interested in Physics and Mathematics. Lately she has become increasingly aware of the possibilities applied mathematics hold in solving problems.
Monica Foszto from Iași, Romania will turn 18 later this month. She attends to local high school, Colegiul National, studying subjects like History, Geography, Biology, Economy, and above all sciences
“I’ve always liked Physics, especially using the concepts I’ve learned at school to explain various things happening around us, but Mathematics is definitely my passion,” Monica says.
She found out about MY Camp by accident while browsing the web. After that she talked to people from her hometown, who had attended the Camp during the previous years.
“And that way I realized it will be an amazing experience: a multicultural environment with people with the same interests. What more could I ask for?”
Now, with only few days before the Camp starts, Monica is eager to meet her fellow campers. “I think we will be different enough in order to learn from each other, and similar enough to have a good time together and become friends!”
Monica is also waiting to learn from the researchers she will meet during the camp. “It’s a golden opportunity and I will do my best to appreciate it as much as I can!”
Monica’s group of choice at MY Camp is Applied Mathematics, and for the second phase of the application process she had to study mathematical models behind vaccination programs.
“When I first read the theme of the project, I honestly panicked because it was not something I was used to doing at all,” Monica says, but after doing some research on the issue, she succeeded.
“I tried to model, as far as my knowledge allowed, the phenomenon and make some calculations in order to figure out what the ideal vaccination campaign would be like, and after that thought about how it should be changed in order for it to be applicable in the real world with the most effective results.”
Monica considers math contests the best part of her high school education because of the things she has learned and people she has met. At first, she only liked solving problems. “It is challenging and stimulating, as well as beautiful and rewarding!”
However, the applied mathematics is starting to feel more and more appealing to her, and for that she quotes a Romanian scientist: “Every line of thought that holds true is mathematics.”
“I’ve come to understand that more every day. Indeed, it is applied almost in any field you can think of! Basically, I truly believe that, with some struggle, one can come close to mathematical understanding of how society as a whole works and this is what I hope to be able to do some day!”
During her spare time, Monica likes spending time with her friends the most. She also enjoys cycling, swimming or playing tennis, but above all she loves horseback riding, and is intrigued by the unity of the rider and horse. “The close relation is a form of sheer art, and I find myself charmed by the feeling every single time!”
Have a look at Monica’s project plan: Mathematics models and infectious diseases.
Like during the previous years, MyScience will introduce each MY Camper and offer news, videos and photos during the Camp. Stay tuned, but in the meantime watch videos and photos from MY Camp 2010 and MY Camp 2011.
Read more about Millennium Youth Camp from Finland’s Science Education Centre LUMA’s website.
Elisa Lautala works as web editor for University of Helsinki's Faculty of Science. Elisa likes all kinds of cultural events, good books, warm weather, and aqua-jogging.