I supervise graduate students in the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences at the University of Alberta, primarily in the thesis-based MSc and PhD programs in Mathematical Finance. I welcome inquiries from students interested in stochastic control, mathematical finance, insurance mathematics, and related areas
Current availability
I expect to take on one or two new MSc students for Fall 2027 entry. I also welcome inquiries from prospective PhD students.
Research areas
Thesis projects may involve:
stochastic control and its applications in finance and insurance;
optimal dividend, reinsurance, and capital injection problems for insurers;
model uncertainty and robust stochastic control.
I am also developing interests in stochastic differential games and mean-field games. Projects are usually developed with the student, taking into account their background and interests.
Background
The most useful preparation is a solid foundation in probability and real analysis. Courses in stochastic processes, measure-theoretic probability, stochastic calculus, optimization, or differential equations are an advantage. Prior research experience in mathematical finance or insurance is not required; students with strong backgrounds in other areas of mathematics are encouraged to get in touch.
MSc and PhD applicants
MSc applicants normally hold a four-year undergraduate degree in mathematics, statistics, or a closely related field. PhD applicants normally hold an MSc; strong applicants without an MSc may be admitted to the MSc program and later transfer to the PhD program. Students in the Mathematical Finance programs also take some courses at the Alberta School of Business.
Contacting me
Please email me at engel.delavega@ualberta.ca with the subject line "Prospective MSc student" or "Prospective PhD student", and include:
a short paragraph describing your mathematical interests;
your CV;
unofficial transcripts;
the program and intended start term.
I read all inquiries, but I may not be able to reply individually to each one.
Admissions and funding
Applications are submitted to the Department rather than to individual supervisors. Most students in thesis-based programs are funded by the Department through teaching and research assistantships, scholarships, and awards. Details are included in the offer of admission. For programs, requirements, deadlines, and funding, see:
Graduate programs · Admissions · How to apply · Deadlines and FAQs · Funding