Project Shoshin

Context

Graduate cohorts were strong on tools but weak on mechanism: they could run regressions yet struggled to explain why a spread exists or how execution alters P&L.

Approach

1. Map prerequisites to a small set of canonical derivations (random walk to diffusion intuition, discrete hedging to Black–Scholes PDE sketch, etc.).
2. Design question banks that reveal gaps without humiliation; pair with short coding labs only after the algebra lands.
3. Train TAs on common misconceptions documented from prior terms.

Outcomes

• Reusable module outlines and assessment rubrics.
• Higher qualitative signal in oral exams on microstructure and options.