PROFILE

 
 

I am …

a seasoned researcher with 20+ years of experience conducting both qualitative and quantitative research in various applied research and academic settings. I currently work in a cross-functional team at JPMorgan Chase, collaborating closely with designers, content strategists, product owners, data scientists, and software engineers to create and deliver financial products.

EXPERIENCE

 

VP, User Experience Research Lead

JPMorgan Chase – New York, NY Jun 2022 – Present

  • I am the lead of experimentation planning in Customer Acquisition and Marketing Platforms from a discovery standpoint, ensuring the design solutions tested in a production environment are based on well-planned exploratory, generative, and evaluative research.

  • I have conducted many research projects with customers, bankers, and financial advisors using mixed research methods, such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, workshops, surveys, and A/B and multi-variant tests.

  • I use various platforms to collect research data, including UserTesting, UserZoom, Dscout, Maze, Optimal Workshop, Survey Monkey, and Qualtrics.

  • I use Python and R to analyze quantitative data and visualize data analysis results.

  • My research has made significant and positive business impacts, measured by incremental customer accounts and net product value..

Behavioral Science Researcher and Professor

University of Miami – Coral Gables, FL Aug 2008 – May 2022

  • I conducted 50+ exploratory and evaluative research projects with actionable insights, and published these projects in top-tier information science, communication, and psychology journals.

  • I performed advanced statistical analyses with quantitative research data, such as GLM and other modeling procedures.

  • I presented my research findings at national and international conferences 60+ times.

  • I achieved a significant research impact with published research articles being cited 2,800+ times and featured by media such as Yahoo! News, CBC News, and Men’s Health.

  • I taught 13 different courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels and received an average of 4.6 rating on a 1-5 scale from students.

  • I started the role as Assistant Professor in 2008, and then earned tenure and became Associate Professor in 2014. In 2020, I was promoted to Full Professor.

Associate Dean for Graduate Studies

University of Miami – Coral Gables, FL Jul 2016 – May 2021

  • I directed seven graduate programs and managed the Graduate Studies Office.

  • I led graduate program operations, including recruiting new students, processing application materials, setting up new degree programs, assigning teaching and research assistantships, scheduling courses, making curriculum changes, creating research colloquiums, and communicating with stakeholders.

  • I supervised 150+ graduate students per academic year.

  • I managed the graduate program budget and worked with the Chief Business Officer in the School to achieve financial goals.

Director of Public Relations Master’s Program

University of Miami – Coral Gables, FL Jun 2014 – Dec 2015

  • I managed the Public Relations Master’s Program by recruiting new students, reviewing applications, making admission decisions, and meeting deadlines.

  • I mentored students by providing curriculum- and career-related advice.

Radio News Reporter

Shanghai Media Group – Shanghai, China Aug 1998 – Dec 2002

  • I conducted 300+ interviews and received several news reporting awards.I worked in a multi-cultural and fast-paced setting, reporting numerous major news events with international travels.

SKILLS

 

  • General qualitative research methods (interview, focus group, and ethnographic research)

  • General quantitative research methods (survey, experiment, and big data)

  • UX research methods (user interview, user persona, journey mapping, card sorting, affinity mapping, usability test, concept test, stakeholder workshop, heuristic review, user feedback survey, A/B testing)

  • Programming language/Software (Python, RStudio, SQL, SPSS, Nvivo, Adobe Analytics, Figma)

  • Writing, presentation, project management, and interpersonal communication skills

EDUCATION

 

Ph.D. in Mass Communication

University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, NC

M.B.A. in International Business

University of Miami – Coral Gables, FL

M.S. in Mass Communication

Kansas State University – Manhattan, KS

B.A. in International Journalism

Shanghai International Studies University – Shanghai, China

AWARDS

 

  • “Outstanding Reviewer Award” by two business journals (“Information Processing and Management” & “Internet Research”)

  • “Top Research Paper Award” by three professional organizations (AEJMC, NCA, & AAA)

  • “Provost Research Award” by the University of Miami

  • “Minnie S. and Eli A. Rubinstein Research Award” by the University of North Carolina

  • “Crafty Fox Award” by JPMorgan Chase

CERTIFICATES

 

  • Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate (Meta & Coursera)

  • Enterprise Design Thinking Practitioner (IBM)

VOLUNTEERS

 

  • I served as a “Force for Good” volunteer at JPMorgan Chase

  • I served on the editorial review boards of seven high impact journals

  • I reviewed research paper submissions for 40+ journals and five professional organizations

  • I reviewed book proposals for two publishers

  • I served as a judge for the Nielsen Case Competition

  • I served as a mentor for the American Academy of Advertising