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Luyao Zhang
I am a tenure-tracked assistant professor in Economics and a Partime Consultant.
Professional Background
Prof. Luyao Zhang, Ph.D., is a distinguished academic and researcher with a strong foundation in economics, mathematics, and a keen interest in interdisciplinary collaborations that bridge technology, behavioral science, and finance. With an impressive educational background that includes a Ph.D. in Economics from The Ohio State University, where she graduated with honors (GPA 3.93/4.0), and a Master's degree in Economics with a perfect GPA of 4.0 from the same institution, Prof. Zhang has established a solid base for her exploration of complex economic systems.
Her career is marked by diverse roles in academia and industry, emphasizing her resilience and adaptability in an ever-evolving landscape. Currently serving as a Senior Research Scientist at the Data Science Research Center at Duke Kunshan University, she is at the forefront of research that aims to leverage big data for transformative impacts in both academic and industrial fields. Prof. Zhang's previous engagements include being an Assistant Professor of Economics, where she contributed significantly to the curriculum and research initiatives at Duke Kunshan University.
Her extensive experience as an Adjunct Instructor of Integrated Marketing at New York University Shanghai and her earlier appointments further illustrate her dedication to educating the next generation of innovators and thinkers. Her tenure at institutions such as East China Normal University and the WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business) showcases her international experience and commitment to fostering learning environments that encourage excellence and critical thinking.
Education and Achievements
Prof. Zhang’s academic journey began at Peking University, where she earned dual Bachelor's degrees in Economics (GPA 3.77/4.0) and Mathematics (GPA 3.66/4.0). Her strong quantitative skills, honed during her undergraduate studies, have been instrumental in her research endeavors and her passion for fields like Game Theory, Mechanism Design, and Machine Learning.
She continued to excel at The Ohio State University, advancing her studies to the doctoral level while maintaining high academic standards, which is evident from her impressive GPA throughout her studies. In addition to her formal education, Prof. Zhang has further expanded her expertise by completing the prestigious Executive Education Certificate in the Oxford Blockchain Strategy Program at the University of Oxford, aligning her technical skills with contemporary industry trends in cryptocurrency and blockchain.
Notable Professional Roles
In her capacity as a Senior Research Scientist, Prof. Zhang leads innovative projects that involve interdisciplinary big data, framing her research around behavioral science and artificial intelligence in relation to fintech. She embraces emerging technologies and methodologies to address complex challenges in economic systems, making her a pivotal figure in these fields.
Her previous role as an Ambassador at Startup Genome allowed her to interact with key stakeholders in the startup ecosystem, bringing valuable insights into how startups can leverage big data for growth and innovation. As a consultant in the Global Scholar Program at PreScouter, Inc., Prof. Zhang utilized her expertise to mentor budding scholars, sharing her knowledge and facilitating valuable connections between academia and the industry.
Contributions to Academia and Industry
Prof. Zhang’s contributions extend beyond her direct teaching and research roles. She has been an integral part of numerous projects that highlight her commitment to collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches. Her work at various organizations has solidified her reputation as a thought leader in the intersections of economics, artificial intelligence, and behavioral sciences.
As the Founding President of Dance Illumination, Inc., she demonstrated her leadership capabilities while engaging with the community in creative and educational endeavors. This role, along with her consulting internships at renowned firms like Accenture and MassMutual, showcases her ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical applications in real-world settings.
Prof. Zhang's diverse background and skill set uniquely position her to contribute to significant paradigm shifts in big data and digital transformation across multiple industries. Her research not only addresses current issues but also anticipates future trends, ensuring that her work remains relevant and impactful.
Conclusion
In summary, Prof. Luyao Zhang’s multifaceted career is a testament to her dedication to the field of economics and her ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge through interdisciplinary collaboration. Her educational background, combined with extensive professional experience across both academia and industry, enables her to champion transformative ideas that connect behavioral science, artificial intelligence, and fintech. As she continues to seek new opportunities and challenges, there is no doubt that Prof. Zhang will remain a significant contributor to the dialogue surrounding big data and digital transformation in the coming years.