Building Toward a Finance PhD: Nhya Laurent-Gilson '26 MSF's Academic Journey at Eller

For Nhya Laurent-Gilson ’26 MSF, the path to a PhD didn’t begin in graduate school, it started with a love for challenge.

A Tucson native, Nhya attended BASIS Tucson North, where she thrived in a rigorous, STEM-focused curriculum. Taking her first AP class in eighth grade and graduating at just 16, she developed the discipline and work ethic that would later define her time at the University of Arizona. When it came time to choose a major, she sought out something equally demanding and analytical.

The Eller College of Management felt like the natural fit.

“My mother is a U of A alum, so being accepted into Eller was a very exciting moment for my family,” Nhya said. “I wanted a math-focused major where I could really push myself.”

Now pursuing her Master of Science in Finance (MSF), graduating in Summer 2026, Nhya is already looking ahead to her next chapter: beginning the Finance PhD program at Eller in Fall 2026, with an expected graduation in Spring 2031.

While Nhya has always embraced rigor, one of her biggest lessons at Eller has been learning how to manage ambition.

During her final undergraduate semester, she enrolled in seven courses—including three MSF classes through the Accelerated Master’s Program—while navigating the demands of upper-division coursework.

“It was valuable, but stressful,” she said. “I learned that discipline isn’t about stacking credits. It’s about managing time, communicating clearly and knowing when to rest.”

That shift in mindset allowed her to move from simply performing at a high level to enjoying learning more deeply—a mindset she will take into her PhD journey.

As Nhya’s academic interests sharpened, research became central to her goals. She has been working on research projects with Alice Bonaime, finance department head and Philip Rhoads Endowed Professor in Finance, gaining firsthand experience in academic inquiry and collaboration.

Through those experiences, she found not only intellectual challenge but mentorship.

“I’ve already learned so much from the finance faculty,” she said. “I feel like I have a lot more to learn from them.”

That familiarity, combined with her love for the culture and community she’s built over five years, made the decision to pursue her PhD at Eller an easy one.

When she received her acceptance into the Finance PhD program, it marked another milestone in a journey defined by intention and resilience.

“It was an exciting moment,” she said. “I can’t wait to begin.”

Studying finance has also shaped how Nhya approaches life beyond academics. The program’s emphasis on decision-making and risk has influenced how she evaluates challenges, including outside the classroom.

She participates in Spartan Races and climbing, drawn to activities that require discipline, composure and split-second decisions.

“Both academics and athletics reinforce the same lesson,” she said. “Growth requires consistency, resilience and intentional challenge.”

Nhya’s long-term goal is to become a tenured finance professor. A path she sees as aligned with her values and desire to make a lasting impact.

“I want to focus on teaching, research and staying authentic to myself,” she said. “Impacting education feels more meaningful to me than what I would achieve in a corporate office.”

For students just beginning their Eller journey, her advice reflects the balance she’s worked to achieve.

“Be open to new experiences. Eller has so much to offer,” she said. “But prioritize discipline, consistency and authenticity. It’s important to find your people and know how you rest and recover best.”