Who is Shaan Mishra from Jeopardy? The UPenn Scholar Balancing Economics, Leadership, and Logic

Shaan Mishra, an economics student at the University of Pennsylvania, has quickly built a reputation as one of the brightest emerging talents in his field. Originally from Carmel, Indiana, Mishra combined small-town roots with big-picture ambition, moving to Philadelphia to pursue his undergraduate studies at Penn’s College of Arts and Sciences. Expected to graduate in May 2025, he is completing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, complemented by minors in Computer Science and Survey Research & Data Analytics—a combination that speaks to both analytical rigor and adaptability.

Graduating Summa Cum Laude, Mishra exemplifies academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a drive to apply knowledge across disciplines. His studies have centered around data-driven decision-making and economic systems, giving him a foundation well-suited for the fast-paced world of consulting and finance. His ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and manage multiple priorities has not only shaped his academic achievements but also prepared him for his professional endeavors and, more recently, his appearance on Jeopardy!.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXTSLub1jtc

A Future Consultant with a Versatile Background

Mishra’s professional journey reflects a deliberate balance of ambition and hands-on experience. Beginning in October 2025, he is set to join Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in Washington, D.C., as an Associate—an opportunity that places him among some of the world’s leading business strategists. The position marks a major milestone in a trajectory already filled with impressive roles across policy, research, and finance.

In summer 2024, Mishra gained invaluable experience as an Investment Banking Summer Analyst at J.P. Morgan in New York City. There, he navigated the complexities of global markets and financial modeling while learning to thrive under high-stakes conditions. Prior to that, he interned at the United States Senate in 2023, where he deepened his understanding of public policy and the legislative process. He also served as a Research Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, collaborating with political scientist Professor Daniel Hopkins on public policy and survey research projects—an experience that strengthened his quantitative and analytical skills.

These roles showcase Mishra’s versatility: from data analytics to economic strategy, and from public service to private enterprise, he has demonstrated a rare ability to adapt and excel across sectors.

Leadership Through ILMUNC and Global Engagement

Beyond his academic and professional accomplishments, Mishra has made a lasting impact through his involvement with ILMUNC, the Ivy League Model United Nations Conference, a major Philadelphia-based nonprofit that brings together thousands of students for international diplomacy and leadership education.

Over the course of his tenure, Mishra held multiple leadership roles—including Assistant Secretary General, Business Director, and eventually President and Secretary General from 2023 to 2024. Under his leadership, ILMUNC expanded its reach, organizing conferences both domestically and abroad, including a successful event in India that reflected his commitment to cross-cultural dialogue and youth empowerment.

Through these experiences, Mishra honed his organizational and interpersonal skills, managing large teams, overseeing budgets, and coordinating operations for an event that blended education, diplomacy, and logistics on a global scale. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, communication, and thoughtful decision-making—traits that serve him well both in his academic pursuits and on the Jeopardy! stage.

Personal Interests and Balanced Ambition

Despite his demanding schedule, Mishra makes time for the hobbies and interests that keep him grounded. He is an avid runner, a passionate pianist, and a home cook, often describing these activities as his way of maintaining balance amid academic and professional challenges. His enthusiasm for cooking reflects both creativity and discipline—qualities that mirror his broader approach to problem-solving.

His enjoyment of puzzle-solving, logic games, and podcasts demonstrates the same intellectual curiosity that fuels his academic success. Mishra also maintains a thoughtful presence on LinkedIn, where he shares reflections on leadership, critical thinking, and innovation—topics that connect his diverse experiences in policy, finance, and education.

Bringing Curiosity and Clarity to the Jeopardy! Stage

Mishra’s appearance on Jeopardy! is a natural extension of his academic and personal passions. His background in economics and data analysis, combined with a love for language, logic, and current affairs, made him a well-rounded and composed contestant. Competing on the show offered a new kind of challenge—one that blended his scholarly focus with his enthusiasm for intellectual competition.

For Mishra, the experience symbolized the culmination of years spent pursuing knowledge across multiple disciplines. From growing up in Indiana to studying at an Ivy League institution and preparing to enter the world of global consulting, he has embodied the modern definition of a scholar: one who not only masters information but applies it thoughtfully and creatively.

In both the classroom and on the Jeopardy! stage, Shaan Mishra stands out as a thinker, leader, and lifelong learner—someone whose curiosity and composure continue to define his success.