Categories: Biography

Siqi Zhang | Economics, Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Siqi Zhang | Economics, Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Stanford University | United States

Author Profile

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Siqi Zhang embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Xi’an Jiaotong University City College (2010–2014). Her passion for understanding the socioeconomic dynamics in rural China propelled her to pursue a Ph.D. in Economics at Shaanxi Normal University (2015–2021). During her doctoral studies, she laid the groundwork for her future research, focusing on development economics, early childhood education, and public policy.

🧑‍💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently a Postdoctoral Scholar at Stanford University's Center on China’s Economy and Institutions (since 2023), Dr. Zhang has demonstrated remarkable leadership by spearheading seven impactful research projects that have influenced policies for child development in rural China. Her previous tenure as a Research Assistant at Shaanxi Normal University further honed her research acumen. Dr. Zhang’s field experience includes extensive collaborations on randomized controlled trials across rural regions, solidifying her reputation as an expert in large-scale empirical research.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhang’s research spans development economics, economics of education, and public policy, with a focus on education and human capital in rural China. Her work explores key themes such as early childhood development, parenting interventions, and cognitive and non-cognitive educational outcomes. Through over 20 peer-reviewed publications, including articles in World Development and BMC Public Health, she has shed light on critical issues like anemia in children, caregivers’ mental health, and the impacts of urbanization on rural education.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Zhang’s excellence has been recognized through numerous awards, including the National Scholarship from China’s Ministry of Education (2020), and multiple university-level scholarships and honors during her academic journey. Her achievements reflect her dedication to both academic and practical advancements in her field.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Zhang’s research has transcended academia, driving meaningful change in public policy. Her studies on nutrition, parenting practices, and early childhood interventions have informed strategies to address developmental delays and educational disparities in rural China. By managing fieldwork involving over 5,600 caregiver-child pairs, she has provided robust data for policymakers and social organizations to act upon.

💡 Legacy and Future Contributions

With her deep expertise, Dr. Zhang is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the fields of development and educational economics. As she continues her work at Stanford and beyond, her commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable populations in rural China ensures her contributions will inspire future generations of researchers and policymakers. Her dedication to mentoring and teaching underscores her influence in shaping the next wave of thought leaders in experimental economics and public policy.