I earned (in the loosest sense of the word) an B.S. in finance from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School Of Business in Summer 2007  (3.2 GPA).

I have been developing financial modeling and forecasting systems since 2002. Early efforts were computationally advanced – employing genetic algorithms, pattern matching, and neural networks — but naïve and unscientific. These systems found combinations of conditions that historically resulted in better-than-average returns, which I then tried to rationalize. Essentially, they were great at finding pretty patterns of faux profitability in clouds of randomness.

Later iterations were more intellectually sophisticated. I began to rigorously adhere to the scientific process, instead of groping blindly through data sets. I no longer searched through data; I started to hypothesize and then attempt to confirm or reject my ideas. I came to understand that true alpha is exceptionally rare and, with incredible regularity, misattributed.

While my efforts did not yield any economically significant findings (yet), I consider my expenditure in time to be tuition paid. I developed a strong respect for risk, a deep understanding of markets, and a disciplined skepticism.

This blog represents the next step of my education; I will be trading with transparency.

Hello, World.