MSCF Squarepoint Fellows: Fall 2023

In Fall 2023, four MSCF students composed the inaugural Squarepoint Fellows class – a $25,000 award given to top incoming students looking to start their careers in Quant Finance.

Samuel Amelaine, Craig Epstein, Vineeth Gopu and Maria-Jose Ruiz Rodriguez are the four students recognized as the first-ever Squarepoint Fellows. The four students were selected from a very competitive applicant pool for admission and are being recognized for their strong candidacy for the program. The Squarepoint Fellowship has been integral in increasing accessibility of graduate study for its recipients.

“We specifically focused on funding scholarships as a way to support students on their educational journey by helping to alleviate some tuition burden, which can be a barrier to access,” says Allison Henry, Foundation Manager. The Squarepoint Fellows agree.

“Without the Squarepoint Fellowship, I'm not sure I would be studying the field I love to study. It has made CMU MSCF accessible to someone new to the field, and, while the eased financial burden is its main purpose, it also told me that someone believes in me,” says Epstein.

The Fellowship also allows MSCF to support a diverse incoming class of students.  “Interacting with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds has taught me the value of collaboration and the strength that comes from diverse perspectives,” says Ruiz Rodriguez. “Every facet of the program has played an important role in shaping my learning experience.”

The Fellows join us from all over the world – the United States, Mexico and France – and a variety of academic backgrounds, having studied mathematics, engineering, economics and actuarial science. This broad range of majors reflects the diverse background of students MSCF has prided itself on having for the last 30 years of its history.

“I chose MSCF for the program’s strong emphasis on practical quantitative skills appealed to me, as it promises a hands-on approach to learning that directly prepares students for the demands of the finance industry,” says Amelaine. “The program's proven track record and its longevity are testament to its ability to adapt and remain relevant over time.”

Post-graduation, the Squarepoint Fellows aim to pursue jobs in quant research and quant trading. So far, they say that the dynamic and comprehensive curriculum supply theoretical knowledge and practical insights that are applicable to real world scenarios. Without generous support from the Foundation, these students say they wouldn’t be receiving the career preparation they are today.