Sophia Knutson first became interested in computer science when she took an Advanced Placement course on the topic at her high school on Long Island, New York.
“I had a really phenomenal teacher,” Knutson recalled. “From a mentorship perspective, I was the only girl in the class, and she encouraged me to believe that I could pursue anything I set my mind to.”
Knutson applied to the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences in part because of its strong computer science program. Toward the end of her first year, however, she started to worry about how her family was going to pay for the next three years.
Then Knutson learned about the Steven B. Schonfeld Computer Science and Computer Engineering Scholarship, which supports students pursuing degrees in these fields. She applied and was thrilled to learn that she had received the $45,000 annual scholarship.
The program, which is funded by the Steven B. Schonfeld Foundation, also invites awardees to visit the New York and Miami offices of the hedge fund Schonfeld, where they can participate in interview workshops and resume coaching.
“They helped us explore different areas of computer science and potential career paths, which broadened my perspective,” Knutson said. She had initially planned on becoming a software engineer, but her experience as a Schonfeld Scholar showed her how she could apply her technical background to business and technology in the financial sector.
Her interest in this field was further cemented when Knutson completed a summer internship on Schonfeld’s Corporate Strategy and Transformation team.
“In just one summer, Sophia helped build an in-application Learning Center for our firm-wide strategic-planning framework, blending sharp data analysis with strong project-management discipline,” said Steve Harmon, Schonfeld’s head of Corporate Strategy and Transformation. “Her performance confirmed exactly why she earned the Schonfeld Scholar distinction—and why we wanted her back for good.”
Indeed, after Knutson’s internship ended, Schonfeld offered her a full-time job as a business analyst. She graduated from the University in December 2025 with a double major in computer science and data science and artificial intelligence and began working for the company in January 2026.
Helping talented students launch careers in finance and technology is one of the goals of the Schonfeld Scholars program. Since its creation in 2023, the program has provided scholarships to 10 students at the University, two of whom have also completed internships with the company.
“By investing early in high-potential students pursuing math, science, and engineering, we’re building a robust, inclusive pipeline of future leaders who will shape the next generation of our industry,” said Jennifer Kaplan, Schonfeld’s head of campus recruiting.
As for Knutson, she aspires to one day support other young people starting their careers. “I hope to mentor other young professionals in the same way others invested in me,” she said.
