Missouri S&T – News and Events – Math is the universal language – so she can travel anywhere

A first-year Missouri S&T student is considering a future as a banking executive and is exploring majors in mathematics and statistics, economics, or actuarial science to help achieve her goal.

Exploring Academic Paths

Shannen Irfan Surhyo, from Hyderabad, Pakistan, says she chose Missouri S&T because of the opportunity to double major in a unique mix of fields. “I am interested in several majors and want to learn about all of them,” Surhyo said. She is currently majoring in applied mathematics and economics.

Surhyo is also eager to participate in hands-on research projects with faculty advisors. She has a strong background in mathematics, having tutored friends and her younger sister.

A Focus on Finance and Risk

Surhyo expressed curiosity about the underlying principles of mathematical situations, particularly within the context of finance and risk management. “I’m really curious what is happening in the backstage of a given math situation,” she said. “That is what actuarial science is all about and focuses on in finance and risk management.”

A Passion for Travel and Community

Surhyo enjoys traveling and has visited approximately 20 countries, collecting keychains from each city as a memento – she currently has over 50. While she appreciates the food and culture of various places, she says the best food is from her home country of Pakistan and that Switzerland is the most beautiful country she’s seen.

Finding a Home at Missouri S&T

Despite her extensive travels, Surhyo says her best experiences so far have been at Missouri S&T. She is involved in the Math Club and the Pakistani Club, and participated in the Celebration of Nations parade. She also highlighted the strong sense of community, mentioning a close bond with her roommate in Miner Village.

“I’m loving the people here so far,” Surhyo said. “There is always something to do here, so I always tell people to not judge S&T as a smaller university, because it certainly doesn’t feel like one.”