Maths Volunteers Student Leadership Program

All student leaders are invited to attend the Maths Volunteers monthly talks. These talks are designed to give a basic introduction to a mathematical area, and usually conclude with current research topics, open problems, or future opportunities.

• Please attend even if the topic is not your area of interest — this will help you:

• Get familiar with different areas of mathematics

• Understand how mathematicians present their work

• Learn effective presentation styles

• Gain experience with online academic talks and learning

We highly encourage everyone to participate and make the most of this opportunity!

For further details, see here.

1. Attend talk by Dr Ahmed Ellithy entitled “General Relativity, Black Holes, and the Hoop Conjecture.”

Date: 28 January 2026 Time: 9:30 AM GMT (2:30 PM Pakistan Time)

2. Attend the talk by.......entitled ""

Guided reading & discussion - learning mathematics the way it is actually written and used

In many courses, students depend mostly on lecture notes and solved examples. While this helps with exams, it often makes it hard to learn directly from books. 

These trainings are designed to help you become comfortable reading mathematical books on your own — the way mathematicians, researchers, and problem-solvers do. We will begin with two internationally used books, led by two trainers, and focus on building strong reading and thinking habits. 

The emphasis will be on reading, discussion, and understanding ideas, rather than exam-oriented problem solving. Students will read selected, accessible texts, discuss key concepts together, present important ideas, and work through meaningful examples as a group. 

The goal is simple: to help you become a more independent, confident, and curious learner of mathematics.

Reading Project 1: Mathematical Modelling 

Many real-world systems, including population growth, disease transmission, chemical reactions, and mechanical processes, exhibit dynamic behaviour over time. Mathematical modelling aims to understand these systems by translating real-world assumptions into equations and interpreting the resulting mathematical relationships.

This reading group introduces students to mathematical modelling with ordinary differential equations (ODEs), emphasising model construction, analysis, and interpretation. Beginning with foundational modelling principles, the group examines how ODEs emerge from conservation laws, rates of change, and physical or biological assumptions.

Rather than approaching differential equations solely as computational tools, the group prioritises conceptual and qualitative understanding:

• How are variables and parameters selected for inclusion in a model?

• What assumptions underlie the model, and in what ways do these assumptions influence predictions?

• What insights can be gained from a model when exact solutions are not attainable?

The group will operate in a guided reading and discussion-based format. Students will engage with selected sections from accessible modelling texts, discuss central concepts during live sessions, and solve representative modelling problems. Emphasis is placed on interpreting mathematical explanations, identifying structural elements within texts, and relating equations to the phenomena they represent.

The primary objective is not to survey numerous techniques, but to cultivate independent learning from mathematical texts and to foster critical thinking regarding the application of mathematics to real-world modelling.

Prerequisites: Calculus and introductory ordinary differential equations. Familiarity with linear algebra is recommended.

Book 1: Zill, Dennis G. A First Course in Differential Equations with Modeling Applications (2009)

📘 Book access link:
https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?cluster=6013302051429558941&hl=en&as_sdt=0,5

Task 4: Quick revision of ODEs

As part of Training 2: Book Reading Trainings, this task focuses on developing the skill of reading and understanding mathematics directly from textbooks.

Task Requirements

Please complete the following:

1. Read pages 2 and 7 of the book.

2. Carefully study and solve Example 5.

3. Attempt the Discussion Problems 39–42 on page 11.

4. Attempt Problem 45 on page 19.

Submission Format

• You are encouraged to typeset your solutions using LaTeX or Overleaf.

• If you are not comfortable with LaTeX, you may submit clear handwritten notes.

Session Coverage

In the training session, we will discuss the first three sections of the book, so please attempt the readings and problems in advance.

Deadline: 07 February 2026

Training Session - II

Trainer: Dr Wajid Ali, Executive Director, The Maths Volunteers Foundation 

Audience: This training is exclusively for Student Leadership Program (Batch III). 

Mode: Online (Zoom). The Zoom link will be shared in the Student Leaders WhatsApp groups. 

Date & Time: 08 February 2026 at 11:00 AM GMT (4PM Pakistan Time) 

More details will be shared in student leaders WhatsApp group.

A well-structured CV is a crucial component of most scholarship and job applications. In this training session, participants will learn how to create a clear, professional, and well-organized CV using a LaTeX template specifically designed for students applying for scholarships or their first job.

We will use a ready-made Maths Volunteers Overleaf template, so no prior experience with LaTeX is required.

Task 2: CV Setup

1. Open the template using this link:
   https://www.overleaf.com/latex/templates/maths-volunteers/fgfrfcjgrxhj

2. Click “Open as Template.”

3. Register for a free Overleaf account (if you don’t already have one).

4. Click Compile — the PDF will appear on the left side.

5. Go to line 81 and replace it with your name.

6. Start filling in your personal and academic details in the lines below.

7. Re-compile after each small change.

8. If you see an error, press Ctrl + Z to undo the last change.

9. Please do not modify the code structure — only replace the text content.

10. If you want to hide or comment out a line or section, place a % sign at the beginning of that line.

Deadline: 02/02/2026

Training Session - I

Trainer: Dr Wajid Ali, Executive Director, The Maths Volunteers Foundation 

Audience: This training is exclusively for Student Leadership Program (Batch III). 

Mode: Online (Zoom). The Zoom link will be shared in the Student Leaders WhatsApp groups. 

Date & Time: 31 January 2026 at 10:00 AM GMT (3PM Pakistan Time) 

Training Overview

This session will primarily guide you through the task already assigned (Task 2), focusing on best practices and common mistakes while working on your CV. 

We will use a ready-made Maths Volunteers Overleaf template, and no prior experience with LaTeX is required

Your first task is to write a short introduction about yourself and send it to me. This will help you practice presenting yourself, which is a useful skill for scholarships, interviews, and other situations.

Your introduction should include:

1. Who you are – your name, school, and what you study.

2. What you bring – your achievements, experiences, or skills.

3. Where you’re going – your goals or aspirations.

Try to keep your introduction to one or two short paragraphs. Don’t worry about making it perfect. Just focus on sharing your story.

Please submit reponse through Google Classroom shared in Student Leaders WhatsApp Group.

Deadline: 26/01/2026

Task 3: Personal Motivation Writing Exercise

This task is designed to help student leaders develop clarity, self-reflection, and originality in academic and scholarship applications. Participants are required to complete the following independently. 

⚠️ Important: The use of AI tools (including ChatGPT or similar platforms) is not permitted for this task. You may use Grammarly only for grammar and language correction. 

Please answer the following questions: 

1. Why do you want to pursue higher education (Master’s or PhD)? Write 3–4 sentences. 

2. Why do you believe you deserve a fully funded scholarship? Write 3–4 sentences. 

This task will help you articulate your academic goals, leadership motivation, and suitability for competitive scholarships. 

Submission link will be shared in the Student Leaders Google Classroom.

Deadline: 05/02/2026

(Will be added soon) 

List of Selected Student Leaders

(Will be added soon) 

Selected Student Leaders

The Abdus Salam School of Mathematical Sciences (AS-SMS), Lahore

• Ijaz Ibn-e-jamil (Masters)

Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan

• Tahreem Ghaffar (PhD)

COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore

• Hamza Shafiq (Masters)

• Aniqa Tahir (Bachelors)

FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Islamabad

• Aieza Noor (Masters)

Institute of Business Management (IoBM)

• Syed Muhammad Hadi Zafar (Bachelors)

National University of Sceince and Technology (NUST), Islamabad

• Hafiza Munam (Masters)

• Lavish Kumar Aidasani (Bachelors)

Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad

• Ayesha Saleem Khan (Masters)

• Mariyam Ahmed (Bachelors)

• Dahim Muhammad (Bachelors)

University of Agriculture, Faisalabad

• Aniqa Muneer (Bachelors)

University of Haripur

• Ahsan Mehmood (Bachelors)

University of Punjab

• Muhammad Mujahid Yaseen (Masters)

Virtual University of Pakistan

• Sheraz Anwar (Bachelors)

Below is the list of the student who were our representative during the season 2023-24. 

Selected Student Leaders

Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan

• Muhammad Sadeeq (Bachelors)

• Zeeshan Khan (Masters)

Abdus Salam School of Mathematical Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan

• Nimra Shoket (Masters)

• Wasif Khan (Masters)

Air University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan

• Qaisar Abbas (Masters)

COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad Campus, Pakistan

• Ifrah Javed (Masters)

COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, Pakistan

• Kiran Naz (Masters)

• Muhammad Zubair Aslam (Bachelors)

• Shams-Ur-Rehman (Masters)

COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus, Pakistan

• Rabia Zakir (Bachelors)

Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute, Swabi, Pakistan

• Syed Dildar Shah (Masters)

Govt. College University Lahore, Pakistan

• Shehroze Shehzad (Bachelors)

Govt. College Women University Faisal Abad, Pakistan

• Amna Liaqat (Masters)

Govt. Graduate College, Sahiwal, Pakistan

• Ifrah Shabbir (Bachelors)

Govt. Degree College Dagar, Buner, Pakistan

• Hazrat Shahab (Bachelors)

Govt. Post Graduate College, Bannu, Pakistan

• Asmat Ullah (Bachelors)

Govt. Post Graduate College, Mardan, Pakistan

• Shabeer Ahmad (Bachelors)

Hazara University, Mansehra , Pakistan

• Habib Jan (Masters)

Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi, Pakistan

• Muhammad Rafique (Masters)

Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Sukkur, Pakistan

• Zaheer Ullah (Masters)

International Islamic University, Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan

• Danish Mehmood (Masters)

• Quaid Khalid (Masters)

Islamia College Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan

• Syed Musanif Shah (Bachelors)

Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan

• Naresh Kumar (Masters)

Namal University, Mian Wali, Pakistan

• Muhammad Rafique (Bachelors)

National Textile University, Faisal Abad, Pakistan

• Saira (Masters)

National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan

• Mujahid Ullah (Masters)

• Saira Yasmin (Masters)

Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan

• Usama Waheed (Masters)

Riphah International University, Faisalabad Campus, Pakistan

• Muhammad Tahir (Masters)

The Islamia University Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Pakistan

• Muqadas Ashiq (Bachelors)

The Women University Multan (WUM), Multan, Pakistan

• Jaweria Sardar (Masters)

University of Buner, Buner, Pakistan

• Gulabd Zar Khan (Bachelors)

University of Education, Renala, Pakistan

• Muhammad Awais (Bachelors)

University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan

• Muhammad Qadeer (Bachelors)

University of Jhang, Jhang, Pakistan

• Anmol Shaheen (Bachelors)

• Muhammad Umair (Bachelors)

University of Mian Wali, Mian Wali, Pakistan

• Kashif Hussain (Bachelors)

University of Narowal, Narowal, Pakistan

• Aleeza Arshad (Bachelors)

• Sadia Khan (Masters)

University of Okara, Okara, Pakistan

• Shiza Amir (Bachelors)

University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan

• Mehak Aftab (Masters)

• Rahat Ullah (Bachelors)

• Saqib Hussain (Masters)

University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

• Maliha Hassan (Masters)

• Muhammad Ahmed (Masters)

University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan

• Muhammad Shoaib (Masters)

University of Science and Technology, Bannu, Pakistan

• Hashim Khan (Masters)

University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan

• Nimra Farukh (Bachelors)

University of Swat, Swat, Pakistan

• Asif Ali (Bachelors)

Virtual University Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan

• Sheraz Anwar (Bachelors)