Hello there!
My name is
Lai GUI
I am a graduating student of Master in Physics at EPFL, Switzerland. I extract rare particle decay signals from billions-scale noise for CERN's particle collider experiments, and I want to bring that rigour to the financial markets that power tomorrow's discoveries.
What is High Energy Physics
It is the study of matter and forces at their most fundamental level. At CERN in Geneva, the world's largest High Energy Physics research institute, we smash protons together at nearly the speed of light. Under the immense energy of these impacts, the internal structure of the protons is completely destroyed, creating the particle remnants that fly out from the collision point along distinct trajectories; by studying these paths, we can reverse-engineer subatomic structures and discover the laws that bind them together. The colllider processes 40 million proton collisions every single second, therefore our role demands not only designing a stable experimental facility to withstand a highly irradiated environment, but also deploying advanced data analysis techniques to isolate incredibly rare subatomic signals hidden within a highly chaotic background.
This technical toolkit and analytical mindset forge a seamless transfer into the financial sector. Advanced deep learning architectures, stochastic simulations, and Bayesian inference are native to both domains, and the extreme discipline in precision and risk management required to prevent catastrophic failures in multi-billion-dollar collider experiments translates directly to engineering robust trading strategies that minimise capital risk. Beyond these, exceptional communication is another vital competence in both domains. The ability to structure compelling data layouts and translate complex scientific findings for global research teams translates directly to distill complex financial structures and deliver clear, actionable insights to clients.
Education
Averaged result: 5.17/6.00 (Excl. Master Project)
Averaged result: 77.88%. First Class Honours Degree.
ATAR 99.85 (top 0.15% percentile)
Research
Why I choose Finance
High energy physics has elevated humanity's understanding of matter and fundamental forces to an unprecedented level. Yet, despite these immense advancements, most frontier discoveries remain locked inside academic journals instead of being applied to benefit society at large. The distance between fundamental physics and real-world transformation is not a gap of science, but rather a gap of capital and direction. Technology serves as the necessary bridge, and finance is the engine that builds and steers it.
Finance provides the leverage to direct resources and focus civilisation's attention on the most future-promising topics. When a breakthrough capable of benefiting the entire planet is born in a laboratory, the financial markets possess the unique ability to align global vision. By assigning value to its future potential, markets accelerate the transition of these ideas from a laboratory concept to a public benefit. Ultimately, finance is not just funding for today; it is the economic fuel powering tomorrow’s discoveries and transforming bold human imagination into reality.
Global by design
I have lived and worked across five countries on three continents: China, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and now Switzerland. Conducting internships and research projects within diverse international collaborations across different nations trained me to navigate language and cultural barriers while working effectively under high-pressure conditions.
In finance, global teams and cross-border mandates are the norm. I operate natively across these boundaries; not merely because I have traveled, but because I have consistently delivered high-quality results within these distinct cultural and professional environments.
Beyond the lab
Ski & Snowboard Instructor
École Suisse de Ski, Villars, Switzerland →- Delivered 182.5 hours of private ski and snowboard lessons to English- and Mandarin-speaking clients over the 25–26 winter season.
- Tailored lesson content dynamically based on clients' age, fitness, and technical proficiency to ensure safe and high-quality skill development.
- Supported resort operations by managing guest relations, providing navigation assistance, and administering emergency help during on-slope accidents.
Student Mountain Guide
Crazy Hikers Hiking Club, Switzerland →- Planned hiking routes across challenging Swiss alpine terrain, rigorously assessed real-time weather data, topographical maps, and terrain hazards.
- Educated novice hikers on technical equipment selection, weather forecasting, and mountain navigation to ensure autonomous and safe route execution.
- Co-led alpine excursions for groups of 10 to 30 participants, dynamically adapted route decisions based on group capabilities.
President · Kendo Club
Imperial College Kendo Club, UK →- Represented the club by liaising with the Imperial College Union, actively collaborating with the Management Board Group on strategic initiatives.
- Chaired weekly committee meetings to drive alignment, streamline internal communications, and facilitate seamless cross-functional collaboration.
- Managed operations and logistics for weekly training sessions serving 30+ participants, while overseeing budget and travel arrangements for national tournaments.
And many more ...
Built to work with people, not just problems
Physics teaches me to sit with hard problems alone, but the experiences above — coaching on a slope, leading on a mountain, coordinating a club — trained something different: the ability to read a room, adapt a message, and move with a group rather than ahead of it.
Clarity under pressure. Trust earned through accountability. The habit of explaining things until they actually land. That is what I bring to a team: not just analytical rigour, but the interpersonal range to make that rigour useful to the people around me. I have learned that the best ideas go nowhere without communication, and the best teams are built on more than shared technical vocabulary.