FSU's Financial Math Department welcomed students, faculty, alumni and industry practitioners to their annual Financial Math Festival, March 1-2, 2013. The event kicked off on Friday afternoon with a reception and a talk given by Dr Lisa Goldberg from the University of California, Berkeley, titled "In Search of a Statistically Valid Volatility Risk Factor." The first day conluded with a catered reception in the Chemistry Building lobby, during which attendees had the chance to network and learn more about the state of the industry in a casual environment.

The second day commenced with a breakfast followed by a talk given by FSU alumnus and Senior Analyst of Business Management for NextEra Energy Dr Wuming Zhu, titled "Options in Energy Markets." FSU's own Dr Steven Perfect then concluded the talks with "Getting (and Keeping) a Quantitative Analyst Position," during which Perfect reflected on his vast experiences with NextEra Energy and provided advice to achieve success in the industry. The speakers then formed a panel and took questions from students on obtaining the jobs they have been working hard towards. Finally, PhD candidates from the Financial Math Department presented their research in a poster competition, which was judged by the guests from industry and included cash prizes for the top posters.

Congratulations to Nguyet Nguyen (left), winner of the 2013 Financial Math Festival Poster Competition!

Pierre Garreau poses next to his poster, which earned him second place in the competition.

Stan Lewkow (right) explains his award-winning work to Dr Wuming Zhu

Ahmed Derar Islim (left) and Dr. Brian Ewald having a good time!

Faculty, guests and students meet during the first reception

FSU Faculty having a good time during the evening reception held in the Chemsitry building

Attendees pose for a photo during the evening reception

Dr Lisa Goldberg delivering her talk, "In Search of a Statistically Valid Volatility Risk Factor."

Dr Alec Kercheval, Director of FSU's Financial Math program, introduces Dr Steven Perfect

Dr Wuming Zhu discusses financial derivatives in the energy market

Attendees listen in during one of the industry talks