Jared’s journey to becoming an inspiring maths master
By: Communications
Jared Carpenter, from UEA’s School of Mathematics speaks about his fight for education, the University’s support, and his hopes to inspire other autistic students.
Jared, from West Runton, came to UEA in 2017 for a four-year Master of Mathematics course, which he followed immediately with a PhD in applied mathematics which is partly based at the John Innes Centre and funded by the UKRI-BBSRC, focused on fluid transport in plants and the mathematics within that of nanobubbles - a process he describes as “fun, challenging and exciting”.
Jared’s educational achievements weren’t always expected from some quarters. When he was twelve, he was written off as “naughty” with one report suggesting he might end up “friendless forever.” Jared spent a year out of education due to the difficulties in securing him a spot in a specialist school, but when that was opened to him, he discovered a love of mathematics. Following his GCSEs, Jared completed his A Levels at City College Norwich (CCN) where he was named ‘student of the year’ in 2016.
Jared received support from CCN as he transitioned to life at UEA, as well as receiving help from the University, including the Disabled Students Allowance, which can fund assistive technology, and a specialist autism mentor who he sees every week for one-to-one support.
Asked about how his time at UEA has impacted him and his confidence, Jared said:
“It’s changed my life. I’ve made so many friends while I’ve been here. I’ve met so many people and had so many opportunities. I’m a different person. I was speaking to some of my friends who said they noticed my confidence had improved within just a couple of months from when I started.”
Jared is keen to pass on his advice for other autistic people thinking of coming to study at UEA, with lots of recommendations to be open, speak to lecturers, academic advisors and Student Support Services who can help with study support, counselling and exam arrangements, people he says are all “very friendly”.
Outside of studying, Jared has some tips to make the most of life at UEA, saying:
“I would also advise trying out new things. I am part of the Mathematics society, and I have also been part of the Bowling society, Games society and Show Choir. I joined UEA Showchoir in my third year of undergraduate studies and have been a member ever since. I now serve as a committee member as Treasurer. I joined UEA Showchoir as I like singing and performing and it gives me something fun to do each week. It's something I gained a passion for while at UEA."
“There are so many different clubs and societies. I know it can be a bit intimidating, but joining societies lets you get a new group of friends in a supportive environment. I'd advise you to do things out of your comfort zone and try things that make the most of the experience of being here. There’s also the UEA Neurodivergent society, and this is one of the support societies you can join at UEA for free.”
Jared was recently interviewed by ITV News, an experience he enjoyed, saying:
“It was really great. It was so cool. It was also nice to be able to share my experiences in that kind of way, and nice to talk about it all in the environment of the UEA Maths department.”
The interview is available to catch up with on itvX.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Jared "wouldn't change who I am for the world”, continuing “it has given me difficulties, but it also makes me who I am. I like who I am, and other people seem to like me for who I am too."
Related Articles
Innovation and Impact Awards now open for entries and nominations
The Innovation and Impact Awards are back for 2025 and looking to recognise and reward UEA’s most game changing staff, students, and graduates, and their collaborative work with partners outside the University.
Read more
UEA mathematician wins Hausdorff medal
Dr David Asper, Associate Professor of Pure Mathematics, has been awarded the Hausdorff medal by the European Set Theory Society, together with his co-author Dr Ralf Schindler and they collected the award at the European Set Theory conference in Turin (It
Read more
The far side of maths
Dr Alberto Alberello, Senior Research Associate in Fluid Mechanics, has been awarded with the travel grant Collaboration with Developing Countries by the London Mathematical Society and discusses the curiosity about ocean waves that started as a child.
Read more