Ngamta Thamwattana facts for kids

Ngamta "Natalie" Thamwattana is a brilliant mathematician from Thailand. She works in Australia as a Professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of Newcastle (Australia). In 2014, she received a special award called the J. H. Michell Medal from ANZIAM. This award recognized her amazing new work in areas like granular materials and nanotechnology.

Early Life and Education

Ngamta Thamwattana grew up in Chumphon Province in Thailand. Her mother was a dressmaker, and her father worked as a police officer. From a young age, she showed great talent in school.

A Scholarship for Success

After her first year at university, Ngamta's excellent grades in science and math helped her win a special government scholarship. This scholarship paid for all her university studies. It even helped her later when she wanted to study for her Ph.D. in another country.

Why Math?

In 2000, she earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics from Mahidol University in Thailand. She chose math for a funny reason! She said that as a mathematician, she wouldn't "have to play with the chemical stuff and we didn't have to kill rat or any insects." She completed her Ph.D. at Wollongong in 2004. Her supervisor, James Murray Hill, guided her studies.

Career and Research

After finishing her studies, Ngamta decided to stay in Australia. She had married a lecturer from Wollongong University. She even returned the money from her Thai scholarship so she could remain there.

Joining the University of Wollongong

Ngamta Thamwattana soon joined the faculty at Wollongong University herself. She started a special team called the Nanomechanics Group. This group focused on studying tiny materials.

Moving to Newcastle

In 2018, she moved to the University of Newcastle (Australia). There, she became a professor of Applied Mathematics. Her work continues to explore how materials behave, especially at very small sizes.