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Participants' Feedback
This is a wonderful one-day seminar for actuarial researchers and graduate students in the midwestern area to exchange their exciting new research ideas and to develop potential collaborations. I want to thank the organizers for their hard work, without that the seminar wouldn't have been so successful.
Lei Hua, Northern Illinois University
As a researcher who is working in the actuarial science field, I often feel a lack of chance to have a connection with colleagues who can share great research ideas and experience in this field. However, MARS gave me the perfect opportunity that I have dreamed of and looked for. The seminar was great in many senses. First, all the interesting talks presented inspired me a lot with great research ideas. The research topics touch this field in many different aspects and the pioneering mathematical methodology that was introduced was astounding. Second, all the accommodation was wonderful. Even though there was a short amount of time to organize the event, organizers gave us plentiful detailed information to make our participation smooth and problem-free. Foods provided was delicious and the reception after the seminar was memorable. Lastly, the opportunity to connect with colleagues who are working in similar research areas but also living at a quite close distance is the most valuable thing I could get from this seminar. With all this great experience from the event, I sincerely hope that this meeting can be a periodic event that can be one of the biggest gatherings for the actuarial science research community in North America.
Seul ki Kang, University of St. Thomas
I enjoyed the seminars and learned new things from the research talks. Also, I was able to have discussions with other scholars about the future of the actuarial profession in a small group setting. This was very helpful, and it gave me insights that are specific to midwestern actuarial schools.
Gee Lee, Michigan State University
I had the opportunity to visit Purdue during the first half of November. Even though I had lived in the Midwest for many years—an important period of my career in actuarial science—this marked my first time setting foot on Purdue’s campus.
During my short visit, I had the privilege of attending the inaugural Midwest Actuarial Research Seminars (MARS) and was honored to deliver a keynote address. Purdue led this initiative to enhance the visibility of actuarial research and advance the discipline in the Midwest. Despite the very short planning window of just two weeks, MARS proved to be a tremendous success, attracting about 40 participants from nearly all actuarial programs in the Midwest. The event featured a few high-quality talks that sparked extensive discussions on emerging topics within actuarial science. It was fantastic to reunite with old friends and make new friends!
Beyond MARS, I was genuinely amazed by the growth of Purdue’s actuarial program! During my time at Iowa, I had the impression that Purdue’s actuarial program primarily focused on undergraduate studies. However, through interactions with faculty members and PhD students, I realized a significant transformation—Purdue’s program has evolved into a comprehensive, research-active one.
Purdue’s stunning campus, the remarkable growth of its actuarial program, and the vibrant research environment left a lasting impression on me. I am deeply grateful for Purdue’s leadership in uniting efforts across various actuarial science programs to advance the discipline. Heartfelt thanks to Jianxi, Mengyi, and Haibo for your exceptional hospitality, making my experience feel like a journey to Mars!
Qihe Tang, UNSW Sydney
The presenters delivered outstanding presentations at MARS. They covered a variety of topics in actuarial science such as Risk Quantification in Insurance, Optional Capital Allocation, and Cybersecurity Insurance. The theoretical techniques showcased in each talk were truly commendable. I appreciated the meticulous approach to mathematical modeling and the sophisticated data analyses underpinning the presentations. Also, the practical applications and real-world insights shared were intellectually stimulating and highlighted actuarial science's relevance in addressing contemporary challenges. I'm excited about the impact these insights will have on our profession, and I look forward to future conferences that continue to showcase the excellence and innovation within the actuarial community.
All presentations were at the same location and it created a sense of unity. The presenters and audiences were in close proximity and had enough networking opportunities. The Q&A sessions and discussions after presentations involved a large and diverse audience and led to rich discussions and a dynamic exchange of ideas.
The organizers were really hospitable and supportive not only throughout the conference day but also before and after the conference. Their technical assistance, facilitating networking opportunities, and ensuring a comfortable and conducive environment for research discussions, were truly appreciated. Their commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere significantly contributed to the overall positive experience for all participants.
Xing Wang, Illinois State University
The seminar was one of the most enjoyable and intellectually stimulating events I have ever attended. The high-quality talks, the gathering with some long-time friends, colleagues, and collaborators, and the interactions with both young researchers and established scholars in this area made exploring MARS an exceedingly valuable experience for me.
Zhongyi Yuan, Penn State University
The Midwest Actuarial Research Seminars (MARS) provided a great opportunity for junior faculty, senior faculty, and Ph.D. students to exchange research ideas and get to know each other! The content of the seminars was enlightening, and the opportunity to engage with fellow professionals in the actuarial science field was invaluable.
Many thanks to the organizing team who put enormous effort into organizing such a great event. The tasty food and beverages enhanced the overall experience, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Thank you once again for the opportunity to be a part of this seminar. I look forward to attending MARS again in the future!
Juan Zhang, Eastern Kentucky University
I found the MARS to be highly valuable. The inclusion of new and diverse topics was refreshing, providing a beneficial learning experience. Additionally, the ample time allocated for networking allowed for meaningful connections with colleagues in actuarial science. Overall, it was a well-organized event that effectively addressed current issues and facilitated valuable interactions.
Anonymous participant