November 14, 2025
Isabel Krogh, who will graduate from the Master of Science in Financial Mathematics (MSFM) program this year, studies quantitative finance. Born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Isabel attended Bowdoin College in Maine before working as a research analyst for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. We interviewed her about her experiences at UChicago.
Why did you choose the University of Chicago?
Because of its strong quantitative and analytical reputation. The FinMath program combines rigorous theoretical training with practical applications in markets and data science, which aligned perfectly with my goal of bridging economic intuition with quantitative tools. Chicago is also a large financial hub and an exciting city to live in!
What made you interested in your current field of study?
While working at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, I became fascinated by the intersection of quantitative models/data and financial markets. I wanted to deepen my technical skills in areas like option pricing, portfolio optimization, and coding to better understand market dynamics.
What has been your most memorable class and why?
My favorite class was Macrofinance, taught by Professor Ian Wright. I enjoyed the lectures, the direct tie the course had to current events, and how it pushed me to think about markets in a more structural, big-picture way. The assignments were challenging but incredibly rewarding, and I appreciated that the class emphasized not just quantitative skills but also how to communicate results clearly and effectively.
What skills have you gained here that might be or have already proven valuable outside of school?
I’ve gained a lot of valuable skills here. First, I’ve built strong technical abilities, especially in Python, data analysis, and statistical modeling. The program has also given me a solid grounding in core math concepts like optimization, probability, and linear algebra, as well as deeper knowledge of finance topics such as fixed income and derivatives. All of this has made me much more confident in tackling quantitative problems. And beyond the academics, I’ve also developed a much clearer understanding of the different career paths in finance and what each one actually looks like, which has been incredibly helpful in navigating internships and full-time opportunities.
What is your favorite restaurant or food truck in Hyde Park?
My favorite place to get lunch is from Paks, a sushi and poke restaurant on campus in Hutch. I order a salmon poke bowl!
What is your favorite campus spot and why?
I spend most of my time on campus studying in the financial mathematics computer lab. It’s a luxury to have a building and space dedicated to our program, and it’s always fun to run into classmates there. A close second is definitely the quad on a nice day as it’s fun to see all the students, community members, and dogs out enjoying the nice weather.
What’s something you love to do outside of the classroom or lab? What’s the coolest thing you’ve done in the city so far?
I enjoy spending as much time outside while the weather is nice. This mostly consists of running by the lake and swimming at Promontory Point. One of my favorite memories was participating in the Chicago half marathon last September that starts and ends right here in Hyde Park!
What support or mentorship have you received at UChicago that was particularly valuable to you?
I’ve felt incredibly supported by my program, both the administration and the career center. The staff in the FinMath department are truly the best. They’re friendly, responsive, and work so hard to make everything run smoothly. The career center is equally impressive. They are deeply engaged and genuinely invested in helping students find roles they’re excited about.
What are your plans post-UChicago?
I have accepted a job offer to work at a macro hedge fund, Graham Capital Management. I will be starting a rotational program where I get to experience different parts of the macro strategy process before finding one I like and working full time.
What advice or insights do you have for new or prospective Maroons?
My biggest piece of advice for new or prospective Maroons is not to underestimate the value of building relationships. In a graduate program, it’s easy to focus only on academics and career outcomes, but the people you meet here become a huge part of your experience. Getting to know classmates makes the program feel much more supportive and fun! It also naturally connects you to a strong, active alumni network.