Alan (Xiaomeng) Li

As a quantitative scholar, Alan (Xiaomeng) Li, a native of Jinzhou, China, finds comfort in numbers: "In a time when data science is extremely prevalent, a data-driven mindset is a direction I align with deeply." At Olin, where a value-based, data-driven education is paramount, the future finance and data analyst was able to find a place to thrive.

Path to Olin

He didn’t arrive at his decision to pursue an Olin education on the spur the moment. Thanks to a vast network of alumni, he had been exposed to the value of Olin for quite some time.

“I had heard about Olin from my schoolmates long before I began my application,” Li said. “I was amazed by my schoolmates’ stories of their fantastic experiences here at Olin and have always wanted to be a part of it myself. So, after taking some time, and considering my options, it became clear there was nowhere else but Olin for my education.”

Transformative educators

Olin’s professors quickly became the highlight of the graduate education experience for Li.

“Almost all professors can find ways to make learning innovative and effective. For example, Professor (Charles) Cuny would add some great analogies to illustrate his points—short and effective,” Li said. “I cannot think of anything vague and complicated that Professor (Jian) Cai cannot teach us beautifully and concisely.”

“Learning at Olin has been incredible, and everyone in the community has helped make this happen.”

Experience in the field

Experiential learning, one of Olin’s pillars of excellence, provides Li the opportunity to apply his learning in a safe, academic setting. He credits that experience for the success he has achieved to this point.

“I am happy to have been able to participate in multiple opportunities during my time at Olin, either through awesome workshops or CEL projects,” he said. “These experiences helped better apply my theoretical skills and prepare me for practical situations.”

The future

With plans to graduate in December 2020 with a master of science in quantitative finance, Li is looking forward to applying his academic work in financial and data analytics into practical application in a position with Moloney Securities Asset Management.