Andy Lee shares his transformative period studying MRes Economics at the University of Bath, highlighting the opportunities that propelled his career and led to the establishment of his own business, Mamori.xyz
Choosing Bath to focus on economics
I initially moved to the UK to study business, economics, and management in Glasgow. But as my interest in economics and research grew, I decided to pursue a more focused programme.
Bath stood out to me because of its supportive, forward-thinking academics. My experience was one of the best in my academic journey, and I could have happily continued my studies further still.
After graduating, I joined the University of Hong Kong to teach on their economics master’s programme. My time at Bath equipped me with advanced research skills, allowing me to delve into machine learning applications in economics. This foundation enabled me to contribute significantly to the cryptocurrency space and eventually start my own company.
Campus life and handball victory!
During my time at Bath, I joined the university's handball team. Having played handball for years, it was thrilling to win the British University Handball Championship, a historic achievement for the club. As the club considered me their most valuable player of 2020, this victory remains one of my proudest moments.
Bath's facilities, especially the state-of-the-art Sports Training Village (STV), were outstanding. The gym was one of my favourite spots. I also spent countless hours in 10 West, a study space that worked better for me than the library; it’s good there are so many different spaces to suit everyone. The tranquil campus environment, with its lake and wildlife, provided a perfect balance to the rigorous studies.
Moving from Glasgow to Bath was smooth, thanks to the university's welcoming environment. Engaging in sports and exploring the local bars that are popular with other students helped me decompress and balance my academic workload.
I also had the opportunity to sit in on lectures from other courses. I really appreciated that academics were accommodating with this; it broadened my knowledge and personal growth.
Advanced study and thinking for career readiness
During my undergraduate years, I realised that to sharpen my technical skills for both the commercial and academic world, an undergraduate degree alone wasn't enough. Pursuing a master's allowed me to delve into technical aspects and current theories, equipping me with the skills demanded by top companies.
My master's programme at Bath gave me the confidence to teach and, at the same time, the ability to continue my research. This led to a stint in machine learning research, focusing on econometric methods and optimisation algorithms. These experiences were crucial when I started my own company, where we leverage academic knowledge to improve cybersecurity in the blockchain space.
My company, Mamori.xyz specialises in defending blockchain systems by simulating attacks, applying optimisation techniques from my economics background. This innovative approach demonstrates how academic principles can be applied in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Studying at Bath was a transformative experience, providing me with the academic foundation, research skills, and practical opportunities to kickstart my career and pursue my interests. Bath is an excellent choice if you are passionate about economics and looking for a university that fosters growth and innovation.