Applied Math + Quantitative Economics at Tufts

Ethan Jin

Quant research, factor modeling, and portfolio optimization through statistics, backtesting, and agentic AI workflows.

R + Python IMC Prosperity 4 Finalists (#932 qualifier)

About

Research Direction

I am a first-year student at Tufts studying Applied Mathematics and Quantitative Economics, with coursework across linear algebra, game theory, data analysis, differential equations, finance, and quantitative economics.

My recent work centers on factor research, alpha signal development, portfolio optimization, and statistical modeling. I like projects where the result has to survive both a backtest and a skeptical investment argument.

Research

Featured Work

Factor Backtesting

Multi-Factor Equity Model

Conducted quantitative research in R to backtest a multi-factor investment model, comparing performance metrics and identifying drivers of alpha generation.

  • Momentum, P/E, ROE, and related signal evaluation
  • R-based research workflow
  • Risk and performance interpretation
Signal Research

Upper Bottom Line Factor Report

Produced an analytical report on the UBL factor, focusing on its predictive power and practical role in portfolio strategy.

  • Factor definition and hypothesis testing
  • Predictive signal assessment
  • Portfolio application discussion
Optimization

Multi-Signal Portfolio Optimizer

Constructed optimizers for stock portfolios using multiple signals, regression models, and practical constraints from investment decision-making.

  • Linear regression models
  • Signal combination
  • Risk-aware portfolio construction
Behavioral Economics

Price Anchoring Research

Studied price anchoring with a 240-participant case study across high, low, and internal anchor groups, then connected the findings to consumer valuation strategy.

  • Experiment design
  • Participant group comparison
  • Published in Finance & Economics
Read Published Paper

Work

Experience

Jun 2025 - Jan 2026

Jinge Asset Management

Quantitative Research Intern

Analyzed financial product structures, evaluated factor signals, backtested investment models in R, and built simple neural networks to support alpha signal development.

Sep 2025 - Present

Tufts Trading Club

Quant Trading

Work through hedge fund interview puzzles, competition-format probability questions, and game theory dilemmas with peers.

Ethan Jin walking through a graduation crowd

Selected Initiative

The Orange Project

Built a farmer-support e-commerce project that imported 1 ton of oranges from Langzhong, Sichuan to Shanghai, generating a five-figure monthly surplus while refining promotion strategy and market access for farmers.

Selected Talk

Valedictory Speech

Skills

Toolkit

Programming

Python, R, Excel

Modeling

Linear regression, XGBoost, random forests, neural networks

Quant Finance

Factor research, backtesting, portfolio construction, screening

Coursework

Linear Algebra, Calculus III, Game Theory, Differential Equations, Probability Theory

Contact

Contact Me

I am interested in quant research internships, factor modeling work, and projects at the intersection of markets, statistics, and applied math.