Biography: Vishnu Nair is a rising senior at UCLA pursuing a dual degree through the Departmental Scholars Program in Economics, completing his B.A. in Business Economics and M.A. in Economics, along with a minor in Data Science Engineering and concentration in Value Investing. Originally from Northern California, Vishnu chose UCLA to join a community built upon academic rigor, entrepreneurial spirit, and relentless ambition. Engaged in the intersection of finance and technology, Vishnu complements his academic pursuits with real-world research and internship experience. At UCLA, he has deeply explored finance and policy research through his experience with the USDA Economic Research Service, the Benjamin Graham Value Investing Program, and Bonuvis Advisory. Outside of school, Vishnu enjoys practicing taekwondo, meditation, and hiking California’s backcountry trails.
Future Plans: After graduating in 2026, Vishnu plans to work in investment research, private equity, or turnaround, applying his academic experience in the fields of finance, economics, and artificial intelligence. He is interested in using capital and strategy to grow and restructure businesses with long-term value potential. Longer-term, Vishnu hopes to build businesses that solve real problems in inefficient markets, combining his training in economics and computer science with his entrepreneurial mindset. Alongside his industrial interests, he aspires to return to academia later in life, potentially pursuing a Ph.D. in economics or policy.
What this scholarship means to me: My family and I are incredibly grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Peterson for their generosity and the honor of receiving the 2025-2026 John J. Peterson Scholarship. I am thankful for this recognition of my hard work and deeply appreciative of the way this scholarship allows me to focus on academics, grow my career, and support my family with less financial stress. I aspire to follow in Mr. Peterson’s legacy as a Bruin and business leader, upholding his example of dedication, service, and generosity to maximize my potential impact. I hope to carry that spirit forward in my career and give back to the UCLA community as well.
