November 14, 2025
Soumyabrata Kundu, a sixth-year PhD student in Statistics, develops methods for applications in computer vision, with a focus on biomedical imaging. Born and raised in Burdwan, a small town in West Bengal, India, Soumyabrata earned his undergraduate degree from Indian Statistical Institute, Bangalore Center. We interviewed him about his experiences at UChicago.
Why did you choose the University of Chicago?
Because it offers a unique combination of academic rigor and real-world applications, guided by world-class faculty. The Statistics Department is consistently ranked among the best globally, providing an exceptional environment for both theoretical and applied research. Additionally, the opportunity to live and study in the historic and vibrant city of Chicago made it an easy decision.
What made you interested in your current field of study?
I developed a strong interest in mathematics during my undergraduate studies and also taught myself coding at that time. I wanted to find a field that combines both of these passions. Statistics turned out to be the perfect fit, allowing me to explore math and programming together.
What has been your most memorable class and why?
My most memorable class here was not one I took as a student but one I taught as an instructor. I had the opportunity to teach an undergraduate Statistics course, STAT 23400. It was a completely new and very enjoyable experience for me. Teaching gave me a perspective from the other side of the desk, and through that, I developed a much deeper respect for teachers. I realized firsthand how much effort goes into preparing each lecture and how important it is to maintain high quality in every class. It was also incredibly rewarding at the end of the term when several students personally thanked me and told me how much they enjoyed the course.
What skill have you gained here that might be or has already proven valuable outside of school?
The ability to take up any subject, learn it deeply, and think critically about it. This skill goes beyond academics—it applies to every area of life. Whether it’s sports, politics, philosophy, or any other topic that sparks my interest, I’ve learned how to approach it with curiosity, structure, and critical thinking.
What is your favorite restaurant or food truck in Hyde Park?
Medici is my favorite spot in Hyde Park. I love everything about it—the cozy interior, the friendly atmosphere, and of course, the delicious food. I’d highly recommend trying any of their pizzas, as well as their chicken croissant sandwich, which is one of my personal favorites.
What is your favorite campus spot and why?
I wouldn’t say I have one particular spot, but I loved walking around the main quad. It is so lively during summer and so beautiful during fall. If you want to enjoy fall colors, you need not go any further.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done in the city so far?
I’ve had the chance to do many exciting things in Chicago. One of the highlights was running the Bank of America Half Marathon in June 2024, which was an amazing experience. As a huge soccer fan, I also got to watch my favorite team, Real Madrid, play against AC Milan at Soldier Field—a dream come true for me. Another unforgettable moment was attending a concert by my favorite composer, Ludovico Einaudi, at the historic Chicago Theatre. Living in a city as vibrant and historic as Chicago gives you opportunities like these all the time, so it’s always worth keeping an eye out for what’s happening.
What support or mentorship have you received at the University of Chicago that was particularly valuable to you?
The most valuable support I’ve received at the University of Chicago comes from being surrounded by incredible mentors and like-minded peers. This is a place that truly inspires you to dream big. I was especially fortunate to work with my advisor, Dr. Risi Kondor, who encouraged me to take risks, explore new ideas, and embrace failure as part of learning. I’ve been fortunate to interact with many faculty members in the Department of Statistics—people who are true leaders in their fields yet remain some of the most humble individuals I’ve ever met. They’ve shown me that it’s possible to reach for the skies while still keeping your feet firmly on the ground.
What are your plans for post-UChicago?
After graduating from UChicago, I’m excited to begin my career as a quantitative analyst in New York City. I was fortunate to receive this opportunity, and I’ll be starting the position in January 2026. I’m really looking forward to applying the analytical and problem-solving skills I’ve developed here to real-world challenges in the financial industry.
What advice or insights do you have for new or prospective Maroons?
For many people, this will be the last time they are students before entering “real” life, and the University of Chicago is the perfect place to explore and discover new opportunities. Go beyond your main coursework and take classes in areas that simply interest you, even if they’re unrelated to your field. I, for example, took Japanese language classes, and it turned out to be a wonderful experience. UChicago offers the time, freedom, and resources to try new things—you might discover something you truly enjoy and carry it with you, whether as a career interest or a lifelong hobby.