Denali Pinto
From Student Athlete to Research Data Analyst: How Rady's MQF Program Prepared Denali Pinto for a Career in the New Field of Climate Finance
Denali Pinto, as a dedicated Division 1 basketball player, balanced the demands of college sports with the rigorous coursework of the Master of Quantitative Finance (MQF) program at the Rady School of Management. Today, she is thriving as a Research Data Analyst at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where she focuses on financial resilience for coastal communities.
Her experience as a student-athlete was pivotal in shaping her career, teaching her how to juggle multiple priorities while fostering the strength necessary to succeed in challenging environments. "I was a team captain for four years of my college career, and that was a very eye-opening task into how to cultivate a culture of excellence, lead a diverse team, and ensure everyone is on the same page," Pinto reflects. As she navigated the demands of being a student athlete, Pinto also embraced the academic opportunities at Rady, which played a critical role in her path to securing a research role at Scripps.
A Beautiful Setting and a Supportive Community
For Pinto, the Rady School’s picturesque location was just the beginning. "The view from the Rady School of Management is incredible. The ocean view will never get old for me," she says. But beyond the stunning views, it was the supportive community and top-tier resources that made her experience truly memorable. "The Bloomberg lab, grad student lounge, numerous career resources, and access to the incredible faculty were invaluable."
She found camaraderie among fellow MQF students, building friendships that have lasted long beyond graduation. “I’ve made some fantastic friendships through the Rady MQF program, with really awesome people who I know I can count on.”
Course Highlights and Professors Who Made an Impact
Rady’s MQF program offers rigorous courses designed to challenge students, and for Pinto, several courses were particularly impactful. "My favorite courses in the MQF program were Econometrics, Risk Management, Collecting and Analyzing Financial Data, M&A, and Behavioral Finance," she explains. These courses were directly relevant to the work she does today at Scripps.
In addition to the coursework, the faculty played a significant role in her development. “I want to thank all of my professors for being so supportive of me being a student athlete and even coming to some games," she adds, emphasizing the importance of their support during her athletic commitments.
One standout experience was her independent research project. Under the mentorship of professor Tom Corringham, Pinto researched innovative flood control measures in coastal cities. “The City of Imperial Beach is implementing flood control infrastructure in the form of an ecotone levee, a nature-based solution to protect its residents from flooding,” she explains. Her project, focused on risk reduction and risk transfer, ultimately opened the door to her role as a staff researcher at Scripps.
The Intersection of Finance and Climate Science
Pinto was excited to blend her expertise in quantitative finance with her passion for climate science. “I am learning about new careers in this field every day. Honestly, the field of climate finance is here to stay," she says. From working as a catastrophe risk modeler to consulting on climate resilience strategies, there is no shortage of opportunities for MQF graduates interested in this emerging sector. "Careers could include insurance industries operating in the natural disasters space, research into policy and industry, and consulting for communities preparing for extreme weather," she adds.
As someone working in the climate finance field, Pinto is constantly inspired by the potential impact her work can have on society. “Being able to apply what we’ve learned to humanity and making a positive impact on society is what life is all about," she says, highlighting the relevance of behavioral finance in understanding how people react to climate change and the financial risks associated with it.
For her, the experience of balancing athletics and academics instilled discipline, focus, and a commitment to personal growth. “Basketball sharpened my focus. As a student athlete, you must get your homework done in an efficient manner so you can train and sleep," she notes. “Communication with professors was critical to my success, especially when I had to miss classes for games.”
Living the San Diego Dream
Post-graduation, she is thrilled to have stayed in San Diego, a city she loves for its outdoor culture, laid-back atmosphere, and commitment to environmental sustainability. “I love going on adventures, trying new restaurants, and of course, going to the beach.”
When asked about advice for current or prospective MQF students, Pinto encourages taking risks and embracing new challenges. “You learn more about yourself when you take risks and allow yourself to fail in some situations but get back up and try again,” she advises. “There are so many different career paths out there, and an MQF degree can open so many doors.”
