What did you do this past summer?
I worked with a startup I co-founded, as well as the the Maroon line here on campus. The start-up works in payment processing and aims to change the way the market has been structured by companies like Google and Paypal.
Please comment on the pursuit of your major and minor, as well as any other academic interests.
I am a biology major and a pre-med student, but I also have an interest in East Asian languages and organometallic chemistry.
Please tell us about a significant or memorable experience you have had during your time at UChicago.
The first time I saw Peter Thiel give a speech here at the Polsky Center, he mentioned that payment for a particular currency was missing—something my start-up was working on in particular. It was great to see that others recognized the same problems that I have devoted so much time to, and it gave me something close to validation.
What activities do you participate in outside of the classroom? Are there any that are new from last year?
I like to come up with ideas for inventions. I also like to invent things, but I suppose you actually need to create the object and file a patent to be truly said to have “invented” something. Right now I’m looking for cheap, commercially scalable ways to create a superconductor and to create a micro-finance device that works peer to peer.
As a scholarship recipient, to what extent are you grateful for the support you received? What are your thoughts on how you might one day give back to the University of Chicago?
The Odyssey Scholarship has made is possible for me to come to this University! It has enabled me financially to become a better individual in terms of scholastic achievement and in terms of personal growth, and working at the Alumni house to has allowed me to gain a better appreciation for the fundraising work that goes into keeping the program going. I know first-hand how alumni feel about the Odyssey Scholarship, what it has done for them, and why they give back. I too plan on giving back, so thank you!
