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Derrick A

- Research Program Mentor

MS candidate at Duke University

Expertise

Investing (Stocks, Bonds, Real Estate, etc.), Finance, FinTech, Business, Accounting, Equity Research, Algorithmic Trading, Cryptocurrencies, and Blockchain

Bio

I am an investor by training and I currently work as a Summer Analyst at New Frontier Bio. Previously, I worked at Vanguard, one of the largest asset management companies in the world. In May 2022, I will complete my Master's degree in Economics and Computer Science at Duke University. In 2017, I completed by Bachelor's degree in Finance. My graduate research focuses on endowment and pension investing.

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.

Investing for Beginners: Equities, Cryptocurrencies, Bonds, and Real Estate

In this project, you will learn about the basics of all the different asset classes and how each instrument serves a specific purpose in one's investment portfolio. You will write a research paper surveying risk characteristics and return potential. Also, you will learn how to analyze businesses and develop financial models. Prerequisites This project is open to all students who have a strong interest in finance and the markets. Strong math skills and a willingness to learn Excel will be helpful.

Coding skills

Python

Teaching experience

This summer I currently serve as a mentor for the Duke University CS+ program. The project is called Decentralized Finance: Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies on the Internet Computer. As the graduate student mentor, I make a commitment of a few hours a week to check in regularly with the students on the team, join group meetings, and be available for student questions. I don't do the project myself, but I liaise between faculty and the students to make sure they are reaching project milestones to present and publish their research at the end of the semester.

Credentials

Work experience

New Frontier Bio (2020 - Current)
Summer Analyst
Vanguard (2020 - Current)
Investments Specialist

Education

St. John's College
BS Bachelor of Science (2017)
Finance
Duke University
MS Master of Science candidate
Economics and Computer Science

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