Blake Babirad

I am currently enrolled in the Honours Mathematics program at the University of Waterloo with a major in finance. My studies in mathematics really sparked my curiosity to learn more about the real-world application of the skills I am building. I have read Euclid’s Elements, The Education of a Speculator by Victor Niederhoffer, and Liar’s Poker by Michael Lewis so that I could better understand and appreciate the origins of mathematics and their application in the investment field.

I enjoy weight lifting, horse racing, and reading about philosophy and history. Throughout my youth, my passion has been sports. I loved the preparation, team comradery, and competition. I was never the most gifted athlete on the football field. Yet, I won the most spirited player award twice over my years of playing football because of my leadership, tenacity, and unwillingness to yield. I would bring a strong work ethic and team mentality to the workplace.

Project Lead: July 2025 – August 2025

Waterloo Experience (WE) Accelerate Program Waterloo, ON

• Led a 6-person development team of my peers to conceptualize and implement health-tech solutions
• Developed demo for “Better” a personal fitness chatbot using Python, NumPy and AZURE, which focuses on hyper-personalized data-driven health advice
• Gave an investor pitch to 100+ peers and industry leads showing the economic potential of “Better”

Financial Analysis and Risk Management Association Member: Sept 2025 - Present

University of Waterloo

• Attended and participated in seminars on various financial topics such as market risk and rates trading strategies
• Competed against peers in poker and mock trading competitions

University of Waterloo Waterloo, ONT

Bachelor of Mathematics in Mathematical Finance, Minor in Computing Aug. 2024 – Present

• GPA: 3.5/4.0
• Achieved Year 1 Dean’s Distinction
• Sample courses: Introduction to Real Analysis, Combinatorics and Optimization, Calculus 3, Probability and Statistics, Macroeconomic Policy