2023 – 2024 Squarepoint Foundation Scholars (from left to right): Zhan (Jessie) Wang, Ming Gao, Haoning (Johnny) Zhang, Wenxuan (Carol) Lyu, Kaiwen Shen, Xinying Xu.
The Squarepoint Foundation focuses on helping communities around the world, advancing research and education in STEM by offering scholarships to students attending quantitative programs at top-tier universities across the globe.
Last fall, the Squarepoint Foundation awarded scholarships to six Master of Mathematical Finance (MMF) grads from the class of 2024. We asked them to express their gratitude and tell us what it means to be recognized for their academic excellence.
Ming Gao earned her undergraduate degree at Western University, specializing in financial modelling, before joining MMF in August 2023.
“It’s a great honour to be recognized by this award,” she said, “I hope to give back to the industry, one day.” The scholarship will help Ming pursue her academic goals and develop professionally. It will also facilitate her participation in finance-related projects, adding to her career opportunities.
Wenxuan (Carol) Lyu has a deep interest in quantitative finance, having double-majored in Mathematics and Finance during her undergrad and participating in several internships that involved quantitative investing. She continues to hone her quantitative skill set as she pursues her career goal of become a quantitative researcher.
“Receiving recognition from your prestigious Foundation is a source of immense encouragement,” Carol said in a letter to the Squarepoint Foundation. “I am deeply grateful … and I will draw inspiration from this award to fuel my dedication in the future.”
Kaiwen Shen was raised in Shanghai, China, by parents with humble, working-class backgrounds who built successful careers. Hard work and diligence are the hallmarks of his family.
“I witnessed firsthand the immense effort and sacrifices my parents made to help me pursue my dreams,” he says. Kaiwen discovered the exciting world of stock trading in high school and has since dedicated himself to preparing for a career as a quantitative researcher. He received top rankings for his dissertations during his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at University of Manchester and University of Cambridge, earning him several academic awards and scholarships, including the Squarepoint Foundation Scholarship upon entering the MMF program.
“The Squarepoint Foundation Scholarship arrived at the perfect moment: I felt my years of hard work were recognized,” Kaiwen said. “I am profoundly thankful, and I am excited about the possibilities ahead.”
Zhan (Jessie) Wang hopes to become a capital markets analyst upon graduating from the MMF program. Earning a Bachelor of Mathematics from University of Waterloo with a professional Risk Management specialization in 2023, and now a Master of Mathematical Finance candidate (November, 2024), she’s poised to turn her dream career into reality.
“Your generous support will alleviate the financial burden of being an international student,” Jessie told the Squarepoint Foundation, “allowing me to focus wholeheartedly on my studies and future goals. Your belief in me has boosted my confidence and determination to excel academically and professionally.”
Xinying Xu is inspired by the principles and values that the Squarepoint Foundation embodies: helping communities around the world
“Your generosity will undoubtedly play an important role in helping me achieve my educational goals,” she said in a letter to the Squarepoint Foundation. “I look forward to making you proud as I progress in my academic and professional journeys.”
Haoning (Johnny) Zhang has been interested in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing since he began exploring it during his undergraduate studies at Waterloo, where he earned his degree in Mathematics with distinction. After graduation from MMF, he plans to use his quantitative background to make unique contributions to the ESG community.
“I am committed to using this award wisely and responsibly,” he said. “I will continue to work diligently to achieve my academic and career goals, with the aim of one day giving back to the community and helping others achieve their dreams, just as the Squarepoint Foundation has done for me.” The financial support provided through this award will alleviate the burden of educational expenses, allowing him to focus on his studies. “It will also open doors to new opportunities and experiences that would otherwise have been out of my reach,” he added.
On behalf of everyone at MMF, we extend our heartiest congratulations to the inaugural 2023-2024 Squarepoint Foundation Scholars, and our profound gratitude to the Squarepoint Foundation for their generous support of our grads.