Dhir Shah
Undergraduate Student at University of Toronto
About Me
Rationale — mom and dad's default option to push me to think beyond the box has become my mantra. My first practical classroom was a Boeing 777 from Nairobi to Ahmedabad — no syllabus, no grades, just lived experience. That early solo journey taught me that borders aren't just lines; they're ideas.
Since then, I've been chasing the intersections — of economics and human behavior, numbers and narratives, policy and people.
Today, I am an Economics and Mathematics student, using financial risk models, and game theory to decode the patterns behind decision-making — not just in markets, but everywhere. From reducing grading errors with data systems to reshaping student elections with digital tools, I believe that thoughtful design and relentless curiosity can make systems smarter and lives simpler.
Tomorrow, I'm headed toward a Ph.D. in Financial Econometrics — not to live in an ivory tower, but to build bridges between theory and action, analysis and impact.
I don't just want to understand the world — I want to optimize it. I believe education isn't a destination — it's a direction. And mine points to where data, empathy, and innovation meet.
Education
Honours Bachelor of Science (HBSc): Double Major in Economics and Mathematics; Minor in Statistics
University of Toronto
Relevant Coursework: Financial Economics, Risk Management, Mathematics of Finance, Econometrics, Calculus, Differential Equations, Regression Analysis, Advanced Microeconomics: Game Theory, Advanced Macroeconomics, Abstract Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Groups and Symmetries, Optimization
Key Achievements:
- Teaching Assistant within the Mathematics (MAT235Y1) and Economics (ECO358H1) Departments
- Active Member of the Victoria University Students' Administrative Council (VUSAC)
Featured Projects
A showcase of my quantitative finance and economics research projects, demonstrating practical applications of financial theory and mathematical modeling.
From Data to VaR: A Simulation Based Approach to Portfolio Risk
Consolidated 2 years of market data from Google Finance to compute daily drift and volatility, and ran 10-day price evolutions, delivering a 99% VaR with 95% historical accuracy. Developed a 10-day Monte Carlo VaR model for a $11.9 billion, 7-stock portfolio in Excel, leveraging Cholesky decomposition in STATA, cutting simulation time by 70%. Automated multi-step VaR simulation using correlated random draws and What-if Analysis in Excel, enabling 10,000 daily recalculations in under 2 minutes.
Research Interests
As I pursue higher education, I would like to explore the convergence of quantitative methods, financial theory, and mathematical patterns — including those found in Hindustani classical music — to develop innovative approaches to economic modelling and optimization.
Financial Econometrics
Developing advanced statistical models for financial time series analysis, volatility forecasting, and risk assessment using econometric techniques.
Key Areas:
Quantitative Finance
Mathematical modeling of financial instruments, derivatives pricing, and portfolio optimization using stochastic calculus and numerical methods.
Key Areas:
Mathematical Optimization
Applying linear and nonlinear programming, convex optimization, and algorithmic techniques to solve complex economic and financial problems.
Key Areas:
Pure Mathematics
Exploring abstract mathematical concepts including analysis, algebra, and differential equations that underpin quantitative finance models.
Key Areas:
Hindustani Music Theory
Investigating mathematical structures in Indian classical music, including raga theory, tala patterns, and their applications to algorithmic composition.
Key Areas:
Research Intersections
The most innovative insights emerge where these disciplines converge, creating new methodologies and perspectives.
Econometric Optimization
Combining econometric modeling with optimization techniques to develop more efficient algorithms for parameter estimation and model selection in financial time series.
Mathematical Music Analysis
Applying mathematical analysis to understand the structural patterns in Hindustani ragas and exploring their potential applications in algorithmic trading and pattern recognition.
Quantitative Mathematical Finance
Developing rigorous mathematical foundations for quantitative finance models, focusing on stochastic processes and their applications to derivatives pricing and risk management.
Optimization in Music Theory
Exploring how optimization principles can be applied to understand the mathematical structures in classical music composition and improvisation techniques.
Musical Journey
Beyond technology, I find deep fulfillment in the ancient art of Hindustani classical music, where mathematics meets melody.
Hindustani Classical Vocal
Training in the rich tradition of Indian classical music for over 6 years, exploring the intricate relationship between mathematical patterns and melodic structures.
🎼Musical Training
🏆Achievements
- Featured Performer: Sangam 2021
- SA Level Examination Completer: Honours
- RE Level Examination Candidate
Featured Performances
Explore some of my live performances and recordings shared on social media and YouTube.
Bol Do Na Zara (Cover)
My rendition of 'Bol Do Na Zara', originally sung by Armaan Malik and composed by Amaal Malik.
Friendship Medley (Group Performance)
A group performance dedicated to graduating high school friends, featuring songs on friendship.
Shankar Mahadevan Academy Global Meet
A group performance at the Shankar Mahadevan Academy's global online meet, in front of Shankar Mahadevan himself. My performance starts at 1:47:28.
Ragas in My Repertoire
Yaman
Time: रात्री का पहला प्रहर (First Quarter of the Night / Evening)
Mood: Romantic
Bhairav
Time: उषा काल (At Dawn)
Mood: Devotional
Durga
Time: रात्रि का दूसरा प्रहर (Second Quarter of the Night)
Mood: Love
Khamaj
Time: रात्रि का दूसरा प्रहर (Second Quarter of the Night)
Mood: Light and Enthralling but not Sedate
Bhupali
Time: रात्री का पहला प्रहर (First Quarter of the Night / Evening)
Mood: Peaceful
Kafi
Time: रात्रि का दूसरा प्रहर (Second Quarter of the Night)
Mood: Folk-like
Alhaiya Bilawal
Time: दिन का द्वितीय प्रहर (Second Quarter of the Day)
Mood: Bright
Brindavani Sarang
Time: मध्याहंकाल (Early Afternoon)
Mood: Romantic
Des
Time: रात का द्वितीय प्रहर (Second Quarter of the Night)
Mood: Devotional
Where Music Meets Economics & Mathematics
My passion for Hindustani classical music deeply influences my approach to economics and mathematical research. The mathematical precision required in ragas mirrors the analytical thinking in economic modeling, while the improvisational nature of classical music inspires creative problem-solving in quantitative analysis and financial research.
Mathematical Patterns
Understanding tala cycles and rhythmic patterns enhances my approach to economic modeling and statistical analysis
Creative Expression
Improvisation in ragas inspires innovative approaches to financial modeling and economic research
Mindful Practice
Daily riyaz (practice) cultivates discipline and focus essential for rigorous economic and mathematical research
Musical Recordings
Listen to some of my performances and practice sessions showcasing different ragas and compositions.
Lakshangeet
Raga: Yaman
My own composition in Raga Yaman.
Tirvat
Raga: Bhupali
A traditional Tirvat composition in Raga Bhupali.
Sakhi Mori Bandish
Raga: Durga
A traditional bandish in Raga Durga, set to Jhaptaal.
Get In Touch
I'm always open to discussing research opportunities, collaborations, or just having a casual conversation!
Let's Connect
I'm always excited to discuss new opportunities, research collaborations in Economics and Mathematics, or just have a casual chat!