How Computational Math Set the Stage for a Startup

Luis Andino ’20 took an unconventional path to RIT. While working full-time at a hedge fund in the Dominican Republic, he enrolled in a local applied math program to deepen his understanding of quantitative securities trading. For a year and a half, he balanced both before discovering RIT’s computational mathematics program—and it just clicked. The blend of practical problem-solving, math, and hands-on learning was exactly what he wanted.

What stood out most to Luis was RIT’s practical, results-driven approach that emphasizes applying knowledge in meaningful ways.

“It felt like a place where you could truly get things done,” he said. The co-op program was another major draw. The Curricular Practical Training (CPT) program at RIT made it possible to get work experience as an international student. “That hands-on exposure was something I wouldn’t have had access to anywhere else, and it ended up being one of the most valuable parts of my education.”

Looking back, Luis sees RIT as more than just a school—it was the place where he learned how to take ideas and turn them into something real. “It gave me the tools, confidence, and environment to grow, and I’m grateful for that every day.”

Today, Luis wears many hats as a technical founder of Ditch, a fintech startup helping people take control of their debt. He built the first iterations of his company’s infrastructure—from the mobile and web apps to backend systems and data pipelines—while also leading a small but powerful team. “On a daily basis, I’m either building or fixing the product—writing code, troubleshooting issues, or creating mockups in Figma,” he said. “I’m also working on strategy, refining decks, and crunching numbers, all while balancing internal meetings and sales conversations.”

Through it all, the skills he honed at RIT remain key to his success. Computational mathematics trained him to break down complex problems, think critically, and stay grounded in logic—essential skills for a founder navigating the fast-paced world of startups. “At a practical level, it’s things like building algorithms to optimize our debt payoff system or diving into user data to figure out patterns and behaviors,” he explained. “But at its core, computational math is about breaking big problems into smaller, solvable pieces. That mindset is just as valuable as the technical skills.”

His time at RIT was shaped by both experiences and people. A co-op at LendingPoint became his first full-time job, equipping Luis with the foundational skills to manage projects, build products, and lead teams—preparing him for entrepreneurship. Faculty also played a pivotal role. “Dr. Darren Narayan always believed in me and sent one of the most encouraging emails I’ve ever received—it stuck with me,” he recalled. “Professor Adam Purtee’s programming class was notoriously tough, but it gave me confidence as a developer. And Dr. Evelyn Brister’s philosophy class challenged the way I think about life and work in ways I didn’t expect.”

For students looking to follow a similar path, his advice is simple: “Don’t let what you don’t know stop you. You’ll figure it out. Get hands-on experience and apply what you’re learning. Use your professors to explore big questions—after college, finding experts who’ll give you their time for free is nearly impossible. Seek out opportunities that let you think critically rather than just telling you what to do. And most importantly, don’t just follow a path—create something.”