A Stanford summer: A journey of growth and discovery
February 16, 2026
The journey of discovery can unfold anywhere in the world – from bustling metropolises to renowned halls of learning. For prospective students, this is a glimpse of what higher education can be: learning without borders and possibilities that stretch across the world.
For Lai Zheyuan, who is reading Double Majors in Statistics and Mathematics and a Minor in Computer Science, that journey took him halfway around the world. His summer at Stanford University, under its International Honors Program, became a defining chapter and a rare opportunity to learn at the birthplace of many foundational ideas in his field.
“My academic interests lie in the theory and applications of stochastic processes, machine learning and optimisation. Stanford is renowned for breakthroughs in statistics and machine learning,” he says.
Over the summer, Zheyuan completed courses in statistical inference and convex optimisation, building a strong theoretical foundation in areas such as maximum likelihood estimation, hypothesis testing and optimisation principles that underpin modern data science. He also participated in a seminar series where he gained exposure to recent advancements in high-performance computing and artificial intelligence (AI) in industry.
Beyond formal coursework, he audited classes in algorithms and statistical learning. “It was intellectually exhilarating,” he says. “Every opportunity opened a new window into how the mathematical sciences drives progress in technologies and society.”
But what made the experience truly meaningful were the people – professors who challenged him to think deeper, graduate mentors who guided him and classmates who inspired him with their different perspectives. Through late-night study sessions and wide-ranging conversations, Zheyuan gained clarity about his next steps: a commitment to pursue a PhD in the United States.
The experience tested not just his intellect, but his resilience. Stanford’s courses proved demanding, with depth and pace that required extensive self-directed learning beyond stated prerequisites. Zheyuan met these challenges by revisiting mathematical derivations, referencing additional resources and making full use of office hours with faculty and teaching assistants.
Adapting to life abroad was another learning curve; but by participating in social activities, connecting with students from diverse backgrounds and seeking guidance from resident assistants, he gradually discovered his footing.
Equally enriching was life beyond the classroom. Organised trips and weekly outdoor activities introduced him to Northern California, while a visit to Intel’s data centre provided a glimpse into real-world applications of AI and computing. Travelling to iconic cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York added another dimension to his experience.
