#GRADimpact: Shenghao Yang applies cutting-edge machine learning techniques in computational finance

Shenghao Yang’s primary research focuses on the theoretical aspects of machine learning algorithms. Within computer science his work is cutting-edge, and this year he did a work-study internship with Borealis AI, an artificial intelligence research institute that is pushing the boundaries of what is considered possible in machine learning and AI. “Machine learning is a hot topic, and essentially a subdivision of artificial intelligence,” said Yang. “The problems I’ve been working on are in machine learning methods that are specific to industry and finance. On the finance side, I’m applying machine learning techniques in computational finance, where I try and exploit deep learning to determine the price of financial derivatives contracts.” When asked about a message he’d like to give to other students looking at graduate studies, Yang said it’s all about being willing to adapt and being open to new possibilities. “You really have a lot of possibilities in life, and you just have to follow your path where it leads. I started my undergraduate studies as a business student. I thought I would be a professional manager in my adult life. Even in my masters, I was not a computer science student.” “It's not a straight line,” Yang continued. “I made a lot of mistakes, and I changed a lot. There's a lot of opportunities, so it’s important to do what you like and just be open to the possibilities.”

Learn more about Shenghao's #GRADimpact.