Student Mentors

Zhiyuan Chen, Fall 2023 ME in FinTech Candidate

Fueled by a profound curiosity for financial technology and investment analysis, I embarked on a journey that led me away from China to delve deeply into these captivating subjects. Immersed in my studies, I found myself under the guidance of exceptional professors – luminaries in the fields – such as Jimmie, Hurwitz, and Jake. Their mentorship not only enriched my academic pursuits but also imparted invaluable insights into strategic career navigation. Through their tutelage, I've blossomed into a formidable force, brimming with potential, poised to flourish in the dynamic realm of the financial industry. Here, I envisage translating my coding acumen and analytical prowess into tangible solutions that navigate the intricate landscapes of finance and technology. Thinking, for me, is a cherished endeavor – a gateway to unravel complexities and envision innovative paths. Sharing knowledge and experiences is a joy that I wholeheartedly embrace, fostering a vibrant community of learning. As I continue this exhilarating voyage, I am driven by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, an unyielding passion for growth, and an unwavering commitment to harnessing the power of financial technology for a brighter, more connected future.

Yuru Chen

Yuru graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Art in Math and Economics. During her undergraduate studies, she was deeply interested in the varieties of new technology and how technology and finance interacted. She joined the FinTech program to explore and learn about technologies that impact traditional finance. She likes dancing, cooking, hiking, mini golf, and playing pickle ball!

Wenjie Cui, Fall 2023 ME in FinTech Candidate

Wenjie is from Shanghai, China. She obtained her Bachelor of Economics in Finance from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. Advancements in improving investment processes leveraging on technology in recent years have sparked her interest in this field. Given the exposure to the industry and enhancement of technical skills, she is now interning in HPS Investment this summer in Data Analytics. Based on the financial data, She also aspires to explore more on implementing quantitative strategies and the risk management.

Shuyang Liu, Spring 2024 ME in FinTech Candidate

Shuyang is originally from China and graduated from University of Nottingham in 2022 with a BSC in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. During his undergraduate period, he mainly focused on statistics and financial mathematics. In addition, he did an internship in an investment bank, gradually stepped into the financial field, and developed a strong interest in cryptocurrencies. He believes that web3 has broad prospects, so he hopes to use his time in Duke Fintech to gain a deeper understanding of it and become a professional in this field. He loves fitness, badminton and outdoor sports. He was a member of the school rowing team during his undergraduate years, and he is also interested in climbing and hiking. He loves life and the living world, so traveling, photography and movies are also his passions. Recently, he is planning to find an opportunity to go deep into nature to see stars and the Milky Way.

Samuel Post, Fall 2023 ME in FinTech Candidate

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Sam joined the US Army out of high school and served for twelve years. He received his undergraduate degree in Finance and his MBA from Liberty University before being accepted into Duke's FinTech program. His primary interests are Blockchain and asset tokenization. Sam currently works for JPMorgan Chase in its Onyx Product Enablement Team, where he guides risk assessment framework processes and drives initiatives related to JPMorgan's blockchain payment rail - JPM Coin. Outside of work he spends time with his wife and two kids, plays music, and trains Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Dong Pu, Spring 2024 ME in FinTech Candidate

Dong is from Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China. She graduated from the University of Rochester in 2022 where she focused her studies on Financial Economics, Computer Science, and Music. The reason Dong wanted to explore this program at the very beginning was that Fintech is a great match for what she learned during undergraduate school. After she learned more about this program, she realized that there are many career support, great alumni, and networking opportunities and that’s how she made the final decision. At Duke, she aims to learn practical programming tools and methodologies to become a better problem solver, especially in the way as a consultant. For future career path, she is currently pursuing a full-time opportunity in consulting industry, financial services, and financial institutions. In her free time, she’d love to play the violin and go to concerts from time to time. She has been playing the violin for 19 years since she was four. Also, she is a great singer, so Kmix is one of her favorite places to go. Finally, she is passionate about Texas Hold'em poker, and she has been playing poker since Sophomore.

Ziyan Zhang, Fall 2023 ME in FinTech Candidate

Originally from Beijing, China, Ziyan graduated from Purdue University - West Lafayette in 2022, earning a B.S. in Economics with a minor in Mathematics. Her time as an undergraduate ignited a profound fascination with innovation within the financial sector. During her academic journey, Ziyan conducted a macroeconomic research project comparing the performance of Bitcoin and gold during domestic recessions. This enlightening endeavor ultimately directed her path towards the Duke MEng in Financial Technology program. In the summer of 2023, Ziyan secured an internship with Truckcoinswap’s modeling team, an experience that enriched her practical knowledge and insights into tokenomics and the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency market. This opportunity solidified her commitment to the world of fintech and provided a platform to apply her theoretical understanding in a real-world context. Drawing upon her background in economics and fintech, Ziyan is eagerly poised to spearhead digital transformation and fuel innovation within the financial sector. She aspires to be at the forefront of reshaping the financial landscape and harnessing the potential of emerging technologies.

Hayley Yang, Spring 2024 ME in FinTech Candidate

Hayley Yang, originally from China, graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Mathematics. During her time at UW, she developed a profound interest for Financial Technology, immersing herself in its vast landscape and understanding its transformative potential.This exploration led her to take a keen interest in both Fintech product management and the strategic world of venture capital. Drawing parallels between mathematical models and real-world financial solutions, Hayley delved into the intricacies of aligning tech innovations with market dynamics. At Duke University’s Fintech program, she focuses her studies on bridging these disciplines, keenly observing how fintech innovations can be supported by venture capital insights.