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Richard P

- Research Program Mentor

PhD at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expertise

materials science, technology commercialization, investing, batteries, financial markets

Bio

Hi! I'm a recent PhD graduate (MIT, Materials Science) currently working as a technology investor for a venture capital firm. I'm excited by both the intersection between technology and commercial markets (startups, stocks, trading - you name it) as well as "fundamental scientific questions that matter". Outside of work, you can find me playing tennis, playing guitar, or exploring the national parks. I look forward to learning with you!

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Symmetries throughout natural processes

What does heat flow, electric circuits, and fluid mechanics all have in common? They can all be described by the same mathematical equations. We will explore why this is the case, study the relevant history of mathematics, and learn how to model these systems on your computer.

Investing in technology startups

People often talk about the latest market opportunity, new groundbreaking technologies, and bringing a great team together. If you're an investor, how do you choose between multiple exciting opportunities? Together we'll explore the kinds of discussions that happen behind closed doors, and explore a few investment opportunities ourselves!

Financial markets, stocks, and options

How do the public markets work? When I buy a stock, who am I really buying it from? Can I make money without having to predict the future? As it turns out, the answers to all three questions are not what you'd first expect! We'll explore these questions together, and begin to explore the foundational mathematics behind quantitative trading firms.

Coding skills

Matlab

Languages I know

Korean, native

Teaching experience

During my PhD, I worked with 4 undergraduates in year-long/summer-length research projects, and spent 1 semester as a teaching assistant for an undergraduate materials science course. Before graduate school, I spent 4 years as a high school/undergraduate student tutor during my own bachelor's degree in New Zealand.

Credentials

Work experience

Rhapsody Venture Partners (2022 - Current)
Venture Investor
Breakthrough Energy Ventures (2021 - Current)
Technical Consultant
Akuna Capital (2020 - Current)
Trading Intern
Woodside Energy (2015 - 2016)
Engineering Intern

Education

University of Auckland
BSE Bachelor of Science in Engineering (2015)
Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
PhD Doctor of Philosophy (2021)
Engineering

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