How have you applied your quantitative skills in problem solving in a business or research settings? (MBA/Masters Essay)
November 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment
My distinction in mathematics, evidenced by winning the second prize at the National Science Competition and representing Nigeria at the 1920 African Mathematics Olympiad, as well as my love for chemistry led me to choose an undergraduate major of Chemical Engineering which I thought was a reasonable synthesis of the two subjects. Even though, I took several mathematics classes as an undergraduate, the rigid course prescriptions of my university meant that taking classes often felt like grade-harvesting missions rather than an opportunity to apply my quantitative skills creatively.
Nevertheless, I was able to make innovative use of my strong quantitative abilities from time to time. On one occasion, I solved a problem on a Transport Phenomena exam from first principles by using differential equations having forgotten the formula recommended in class; and another time, I used beta and gamma functions- self-taught, to integrate products of trigonometric functions and breezed through a mathematics test in less than a third of the allotted time.
My doctoral work in Theoretical Chemistry provided better challenge and a greater opportunity to use my quantitative skills to define and solve research problems ab initio. I used my knowledge of engineering mathematics, statistics, differential equations, linear algebra and mathematical physics to develop novel approaches to improve the application of semiclassical mechanics to the simulation of chemical reactions. The problems I dealt with fell into two broad categories: how a particle could ghost through the equivalent of a physical wall and how a particle may leap to a higher energy level even while possessing intrinsically lower energy. In technical parlance, these problems are known as tunneling and nonadiabatic transition respectively, and I sought to find models to include these effects into chemical reaction simulations.
For the former, I derived a Riccatti-type nonlinear matrix differential equation and established its equivalence with models which had been used previously by other researchers, and I was able to adduce arguments based on numerical analysis as to why my model was comparably better suited for simulation purposes. The most interesting feature of my model was that its singular points coincided with the points of physical interest so that the successful identification of such points was accompanied by the breakdown of the numerical solution due to the singularities.
My innovation was to use sequential on-the-fly orthogonal transformations to circumvent the infinities in the solution of the nonlinear differential equation. My multidimensional numerical solution was implemented using the Adams-Bashforth Predictor Corrector scheme, and the final solution was stable in every respect leading to acceptance of the work for oral presentation at Japan’s foremost International Conference on Molecular Science.
For the nonadiabatic transition problem, I developed a Monte-Carlo recipe based on a uniformly-distributed random number sequence into which I grafted the numerical solutions to two main problems: a fourth-order Runge-Kutta scheme to solve the equation describing the motion of the chemically-reacting particles in six-dimensional space; and the use of quadratures to solve phase integrals to obtain the probabilities of the particles actually leaping to the desired energy levels. Overall, I published three papers in international journals based on these lines of research.
In addition, I have taken two theoretical physics classes focused on the qualitative solutions of differential equations at regular points and in asymptotic regions, complex variables, and the use of separation of variables and eigenfunction expansion methods to solve partial differential equations. These two courses have been helpful in providing formal depth to some materials I had previously learned while introducing me to new topics I had not. I believe that my formal mathematical training and research experience in the rigorous application of mathematical modeling puts me in a strong position to succeed in the Master’s in Financial Engineering program at Berkeley.
NB: This essay was published with the permission of the author, a friend of mine (He does not wish to be identified) . Posted under creative commons rule and use as a guide for your admission essays.
Next Top Model Strots into the African Runway in Spring 2009
November 22, 2008 | Leave a Comment
NEXT TOP MODEL STROTS INTO THE AFRICAN RUNWAY IN SPRING 2009 PRODUCED BY INTERNATIONAL MEDIA COMPANY STATS MEDIA GROUP. THE COMPANY HAS THE EXCLUSIVE FORMAT RIGHTS TO PRODUCE NEXT TOP MODEL IN THE CONTINENT OF AFRICA, AND TRUE LOVE WEST AFRICA IS THE OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER FOR THIS SERIES.
NEW YORK, NY October 31, 2008 – The Nationally syndicated TV Show Next Top Model is schedule to begin in Africa in January 2009. This show will follow the same format as the original American’s Next Top Model created by Tyra Banks. The show will be produced by StatsMedia Group an international production company owned by Tope Esan and Martin Fayomi. The Company is in talks with Supermodel Oluchi Onweagba to serve as host for the West Africa series. StatsMedia is the only company that was granted the exclusive rights the form CBS Paramount International Television to produce this reality show in Africa. CBS is the official licensor of the series format.
This series will be produced every season by region. The initial start up will be in West Africa. True Love West Africa is the media partner and official magazine for West African’s Next Top Model. Scouting for the 16 contestants of the reality show will begin in December 2008 in several regions in West Africa (Congo, Cote D’ivoire, Ghana, Liberia & Nigeria) with production scheduled for spring 2009. The show will air on major African networks and on cable TV. The winner will receive a lucrative international contract, a cover in True Love magazine and numerous endorsement deals from various companies in the fashion industry nationally and internationally.
This version of Next Top Model will not only highlight the models but the continent of Africa for its tourist attractions, cultures, values and its booming 21st century economy.
About Next Top Model
Next Top Model is a reality television show in which a number of women compete for the title of Next Top Model and a chance to start their career in the modeling industry. The show was created and is hosted by veteran television personality, former supermodel and current talk-show host, Tyra Banks, who also serves as the head judge and executive producer of the show. The first “cycle” premiered in May 2003 and was one of UPN’s highest rated shows. The show’s seventh cycle was the first of the shows among regular programming on UPN’s successor network, The CW, and thus far is the network’s highest rated series. The show will continue until at least the 2009-10 season.
2- NEXT TOP MODELS STROTS INTO AFRICA
The opening theme is performed by Tyra Banks and is produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins. Banks co-produces the show with Ken Mok and Anthony Dominici. For the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 television seasons, ANTM was the #1 show in average viewers on The CW. For More information visit http://www.cwtv.com/shows/
About Stats Media Group
StatsMedia Group, LLC is an independent company that acquires contents for television production. Coupled with original content development, StatsMedia Group acquires successful television programs to be reproduces and/or rebroadcasted in Africa. The company was formed in 2006 to concentrate on contents for the Africa indigenes both in and around the continent. StatsMedia currently produces Annual Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA Awards) – www.nigeriaentawards.com in United States of America. StatsMedia owns the franchise rights to ‘Africa Next Top Model’ – a format franchise right to America Next Top Model. This right was acquired early 2008 from CBS Paramount and is set to start production late 2008.
About True Love
True Love West Africa is a monthly magazine, written in Lagos and produced and printed in South Africa. Bola Atta, the editor of True Love West Africa, has an extensive background in both the magazine and television industries, and brings great experience and enthusiasm to the magazine
“True Love West Africa is the ultimate reflection of the exquisite beauty of the black African woman,” Atta said. “Her readers are vivacious, upwardly mobile and contemporary, keeping up with the constantly changing trends of the modern world as they continue to proudly celebrate the diversity and richness of their traditional society.”
Contact Details
For more information about Sponsorship & Advertising on West African’s Next Top Model, please contact Executive Producer Tope Esan e-mail tope@wafntm.com. For all other inquiries on the show please contact ICY Public Relations at 305.940.0067 and Bola Atta (Bolaatta@gmail.com)
African International Modeling Competition 2008 Results
November 19, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Capital Heights, Maryland - (November 15, 2008) - Fanta Kamara from Philadelphia emerged the AIMC 2008 champion in a keenly contested competition that took place at the Hampton Conference Center in Capital Heights, Maryland beating 15 other contestants to win the coveted crown. Marie Sene from Bowie, Maryland and Fanta Kamara of Mankato Minnesota emerged 1st and 2nd runners up respectively.
The contestants were judged on different criteria including style, stage presence, elegance, grace, poise and looks by a distinguished panel of judges including Van Silk, DJ Yveco, Sam Onwuka, Tammie Gar and Kebr Emanuel-Autry. An annual event the modeling competition is organized by Africa Pearls Inc and designed to showcase the essence of Pan-African beauty. Hosted by Isaac W.K Thweatt and Sierah Tyson (2007 AIMC winner) , the event also featured performances by different talents from all over North America and presentation of awards to trendsetters in fashion, music, publications etc within the African community. The winners of the 2007 trendsetters awards includes BHF Magazine, Cote Minou Coutoure, Uzuri Magazine, Segun Gele and Hawa Barry.
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Côté Minou Designers’ Birthday BaSh & MOKOBE Concert (Nov. 28th, 2008)
November 17, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Mokobe, the mega music artist from France, who brought us hits like “C’est dans la joie”, “On est Ensemble”, and hot collabos songs such as Malembe, Petit Bisous, and Mon Afrique which have all have numerous page hits on YOUTUBE. Well this Thanksgiving MOKOBE will be in the USA for his first live concert at BLu Lounge in Bethesda MD.
Join Côté Minou Designers, Maryanne & Stephanie as they celebrate their Birthday @ Blu Lounge together with the wonderful appearance and performances by France/Mali artist MOKOBE from the group 113 brought to you exclusively by CENTRIQUE Entertainment. The event is sponsored by African Vibes Magazine, RedBULL, Western Union, The Mali Embassy, M2SHow, Life Magazine, Alliance Francaise, abidjan.net.
FOR TICKETS INFO CONTACT:
Get Tix 1- 2022477313, Get Tix 2- 2404267703, Get Tix 3- 202-375-0960, Get Tix 4- 301-328-6370 - Exclusively pre-sold @ $30
Time: 10:00pm - 3:00am
Event Location: Blu Lounge, 6821 Reed Street, Bethesda, MD
Dress code- SuPeR Chic
Côté Minou dresses and early arrival is strongly advised!
BLU Lounge is 21 and over
“AFRICA IS THE FUTURE” - MOKOBE
“REPRESENTING AFRICA TO THE MAX”- COTE MINOU
Côté Minou Designers’ Birthday BaSh & Mokobe Concert will be a phenomenal night…The Paparazzi saga continues.
Click on the links below for more information:
http://www.centrique.net
http://www.mokobe.com
www.coteminou.blogspot.com
www.blu-lounge.com
Full-Figured Runway Show & Competition 2008
November 12, 2008 | Leave a Comment
COLUMBIA,MD- The 5th Annual Miss Full Figured Metropolitan Competition & Fashion Show is scheduled for Sunday November 23rd, 08 at The Sheraton Columbia, MD. General admission tickets are $25 and VIP tickets are priced at $50. All press and media with credentials should begin check-in at 5:30pm.
Produced by The Maryland based Full-Figured Diva Academy, The Miss Full Figured Metropolitan is a Runway competition, which showcases and celebrates the full-figured woman. “We believe that all women are beautiful on the inside and out. Thus we’ve chosen this forum to highlight the elegance, poise and grace that is full-figured woman!” states Ms. Natasha Bryson, Executive Director of the Full-Figured Diva Academy.
Back for its fifth installment this spectacular event promises to be the talk of the town. The show will feature full figured models from across the DC/MD/VA Metropolitan area, some of whom will be stepping on the runway for the very first time. The objective of this competition is to showcase the beauty and confidence of full figured women while empowering them through promoting and advocating positive body imagery and self-confidence. Ultimately giving a voice to women often left out of the mainstream of fashion. Contestants will be judged on categories such as stage presence, originality, poise etc.
The evening will also include a high fashion runway show by the FFDA models who have been touring the country with their hugely popular “Stilettos & Curves Fashion Show”.
A portion of the proceeds from this show will be donated to “The Full-Figured Divas Closet” clothing drive as they encourage the community to “Wear it and Share it”. The first of many such community outreach efforts, GFFDA plans to provide clothing and a day of pampering to disadvantaged full figured women in area homeless shelters. Clothing will be collected at various drop-off locations leading up to the event, as well as on November 23rd, 2008 at the Sheraton Columbia.
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ABOUT THE GEMINI FULL FIGURED DIVA ACADEMY (G.F.F.D.A.)
The Gemini Full Figured Diva Academy is a development and training program dedicated to celebrating the splendor of the full-figured woman. We facilitate life changing workshops which focus on building self-esteem and self- confidence. GFFDA provides access to curve friendly resources, promote health and continually seek to have a positive effect on social change. Participants in the academy have recently been featured on The Tyra Show, Monique’s F.A.T. Chance and The Dr. Phil Show. For more information, please visit http://www.fullfigureddiva.com.
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Why do you want a Masters in Financial Engineering Degree/MBA ?
November 12, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Please discuss your intermediate and long-term professional goals and why you want an MFE degree at this point in your career. In what ways do you think an MFE degree will help you achieve these goals? What do you expect from this program and why have you chosen the Haas MFE Program? (Minimum:250 words)
By the time I finished work on my PhD, although I had become convinced that the combination of theory and computation were powerful tools for studying various physical systems, I had also begun to look beyond the career directions implied by the very academic nature of my dissertation. I was looking for a career where I could use my proficiency in computer simulation, numerical methods and modeling in a field with practical applications and entrepreneurial prospects.
At the suggestion of a prospective MBA student whom I tutored in Calculus, I began to strongly consider financial engineering/quantitative finance. I liked the challenge of using technical tools to study a system as unpredictable as the market and the promise of making innovations that would win the respect of practitioners in the finance industry. From my research, I had doubts about being able to obtain a job in this field solely on my prior quantitative and computational experience and concluded that it would be valuable to round out my skill sets with formal training in financial economics, options theory etc.
Certain factors dictated my program of choice. First, since I had four degrees already, I put much premium on the duration of the program- the shorter, the better. Then, I wanted a program to complement my strengths by focusing less on the mathematical and more on offering a good deal of exposure to financial economics, business case-studies and a thorough grounding in the concepts underlying financial instruments design. The opportunity to balance such a curriculum with real-world application through internships was also important to me.
The MFE program at the Haas Business School meets all these requirements and is at the top of the shortlist of programs I am considering. The reasons include its emphasis on applied theoretical finance as opposed to mathematical finance and its being situated in a business school where I can sharpen my business acumen through interactions with more experienced faculty and classmates. I also believe the curriculum to be very innovative and I am equally impressed that internships are considered a core part of the program. Lastly, Berkeley ranks high on my list because of the presence on the teaching faculty of a PhD physicist like Dr. Ronald Kahn, with whom I share some similarities in educational background and who can provide the sort of mentoring to make my transition from scientist to financial engineer even smoother.
My short-term plan on completing the MFE degree is to find employment here in the United States with the goal of gaining practical experience in portfolio management, automated trading and financial modeling. I find the MFE program’s continuous record of success in job placements very encouraging in achieving this goal.
In the long term, I intend to take advantage of the many market-friendly reforms being pursued by new democratic governments in Africa, such as the consolidation of banks based on liquidity, and the privatization of public corporations. I believe these moves favor the expansion of the wider investment markets and I plan to return home to fill the gaping demand for innovative financial engineering products in an emerging market like Nigeria. My plan is to start a hedge fund using strategies based on sophisticated number-crunching backed by a sound understanding of finance and options pricing theory. Certainly, a course like the elective “Success and Failure in Financial Innovation” offered in the MFE program would do me a world of good in such a quest.
I know that the education I would receive from the Haas School of Business and the cachet that comes from being an alumnus of one of the world’s most renowned business school would be crucial in the inevitable teething days of such a venture. I also hope that my cosmopolitan education would be of great benefit as I plan to develop my conversational fluency in French and Japanese to business standards and use that as leverage in winning over foreign investors looking for brokers in African markets.
NB: This essay was published with the permission of the author, a friend of mine (He does not wish to be identified) . Posted under creative commons rule and use as a guide for your admission essays.
Barack Obama Elected President
November 8, 2008 | 1 Comment
“And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can!” - Barack Obama.
WASHINGTON DC - November 4, 2008 - Barack Obama was elected the first black president of the United States of America in an historic election today. This event marks a milestone in the history of the United States and creates opportunities for more open discourse on racial issues. While only the most ungracious of us would claim that this is not a watershed moment in American history, it is hasty to quickly conclude that racial divide would cease to exist in the country.
More than anything though, the historic moment shows that in America with hard work, dedication, a spirit of indefatigable optimism, determination and persistence “most” dreams are possible. We hope, indeed we believe that Barack Obama would be the president of all Americans and not just black people. The son of an African and a white mother, Barack spent most of his childhood in Hawai with his grandparents and later went to school in Columbia University and Harvard Law school. While at Harvard, he contested for and was elected the first black President of the school’s law journal.
An erudite speaker (he can move a crowd into a frenzy seamlessly), he spent a considerable part of his youth in intellectual flourishes and studied the stories of many successful political figures (both living and dead). After he graduated from Columbia University, but before enrolling in Harvard, he worked as a community organizer in the most under-privileged part of south side Chicago. He later became a senator in Illinois state and won elections to the federal senate before announcing his intention to run for the presidency of the United States about 21 months ago. He is a shining example of what is possible when we dream. There is no doubt that this feat would have profound psychological impact on people of color to reach within and aim for the highest heights in their fields of endeavor.
We wish the president elect success in his tenure. YES WE CAN!!!
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen” - Hebrews 11:1
Miss Africa USA Scholarship & Beauty Pageant 2008 Results.
November 4, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Nyasha Zimucha, South African, Miss Africa USA 2008, Busi Mlambo, Zimbabwean, Deputy Miss USA, Victoria Njau, Kenyan, 2nd Runner Up, Belloh Julius, Liberian, 3rd Runner Up and Imat Akelo-Opio, Uganda, 4th Runner Up at the Miss Africa USA beauty pageant 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Atlanta Georgia – (November 1, 2008) – The 4th Annual Miss Africa USA Scholarship Pageant 2008 was held today at the Clayton Performing Arts Center in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia to celebrate and honor African women.
A total of 17 contestants from different African countries participated in the event which was co-hosted by Maryline Blackburn, Miss Alaska 1984 and Marlon Campbell, Film Producer and Actor. The pageant kicked off with the introduction and parade of nations category, a phase in which the contestants introduced themselves, their countries of origin and platforms to the distinguished audience. 
The second phase was the Talent Performance phase, a stage in which the contestants showcased their talents in dance, poetry, music amongst others. The 3rd stage was the African Fashion Modeling after which the top five (5) finalists were announced.
The top five(5) finalists were then interviewed on why they chose their different platforms and how they hope to further the course and mission of the scholarship pageant if they win. After the top 5 finalists debate, a distinguished panel of judges including Rev. Dr. Barbara L. King - Founder and Spiritual Leader, Hillside International Truth Center, Honorable Terry Baskin, Clayton Country Tax Commissioner and Miss Kirsten White, Miss Black USA 2008 amonst others then selected Nyasa Zimucha, South African as the winner. Nyasha plans to use her new status to fight Xenophobia in South Africa. Miss Cameroon Danielle Franki Mingana Fochive won the Best Talent and is being considered for a modeling contract, Miss Guinea Binnette Diao won the Miss Culture Award, Miss Burundi won the African People’s Princess Award and Miss Photogenic and Miss Congeniality Award went to Miss Senegal - Mariama Brown. The Western Union Audience Choice award went to Miss Nigeria: Esosa Edosomwan who will continue to work with Western Union on Several Promotional Opportunities.
The event was organized by the African Women’s Development Foundation Inc, USA. For more information about them and how to support their activities plaes visit www.africanwomensfoundation.org or www.missafricaunitedstates.com .
Please find below the names of 2008 pageant contestants and pictures from the event.
| # | Name | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniele Ntahonkiriye | Miss Burundi USA |
| 2 | Danielle Mingana Fochive | Miss Cameroon USA |
| 3 | Andrea Mvemba | Miss Democratic Republic of Congo USA |
| 4 | Aziza Elteib | Miss Ethiopia USA |
| 5 | Tanta Badjan | Miss Gambia USA |
| 6 | Krystle Simpson | Miss Ghana USA |
| 7 | Binnette Diao | Miss Guinea USA |
| 8 | Victoria Njau | Miss Kenya USA |
| 9 | Belloh Julius | Miss Liberia USA |
| 10 | Esosa Edosomwan | Miss Nigeria USA |
| 11 | Mariamma Brown | Miss Senegal USA |
| 12 | Philippa Lahai-Swaray | Miss Sierra Leone USA |
| 13 | Nyasha Zimucha | Miss South Africa USA |
| 14 | Nathalia Zambakari | Miss South Sudan USA |
| 15 | Imat Akelo-Opio | Miss Uganda USA |
| 16 | Mutinta Suuya | Miss Zambia USA |
| 17 | Busi Mlambo | Miss Zimbabwe USA |
Portraits of Beauty - Pictures from Miss Africa USA 2008 Photo Shoot
November 3, 2008 | Leave a Comment
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - The 4th edition of the Annual Miss Africa USA took place on November 1, 2008. The event which was designed to empower African women in diaspora was won by Nyasha Zimucha - Miss South Africa US 2008 in a keenly contested event that featured representatives from 17 African countries. Find below pictures from the photo shoot that took place prior to the beauty pageant. All pictures by our fashion correspondent TA. Special thanks to the Miss Africa USA organization for their assistance especially Lady Kate Njeuma, Mr Harold Greaves (Official Photographer) and Constance Nkwantah, Communications officer.
Stay tuned for our coverage of the beauty pageant. For more information about Miss Africa USA and how to support them please visit www.missafricaunitedstates.com
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