ß÷ßäÉçÇø

This year, Yang Yi joined the ß÷ßäÉçÇø School of Business as an assistant professor in the Department of Finance. With a research focus on the intersection of finance, politics and technology, Yang brings a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to giving students a hands-on approach to learning. 

Read on to learn more about her background, what she’s most looking forward to at ASB and the last TV show she binged.

Can you share a bit about your academic and professional journey before joining our faculty?

Prior to joining the ß÷ßäÉçÇø School of Business, I received my Ph.D. in finance from the University of Rochester, where I specialized in household finance, corporate finance and political economy. I also hold a B.A. in finance and a B.S. in mathematics from Renmin University of China. Along the way, I gained experience as a researcher and teacher, which deepened both my technical expertise and my passion for mentoring students.

What first drew you to the field of business?

I have always been intrigued by financial decision-making: how financial intermediaries, firms and households navigate uncertainty, incentives and constraints. I am especially fascinated by how broader societal forces and technological innovations shape these decisions, and how finance, in turn, feeds back into the economy and society.

What area of research are you most passionate about, and how would you explain it to someone who knows nothing about the field?

I am passionate about the intersection of finance, politics and technology. My research explores questions such as: How do political climates influence household spending and saving? How do technological advances, such as AI, reshape the role of banks and financial institutions? Put simply, I study how shifts in politics and technology change the way money flows and how those financial changes circle back to affect society.

How would you describe your approach to teaching?

I adopt a hands-on, interactive teaching approach. Finance is not best learned by passively reading textbooks — it comes alive when students confront real data, analyze cases and make decisions under realistic constraints. I encourage students to engage with both theory and practice so they develop intuition and skills they can apply immediately in their careers.

What are you most looking forward to in your first year at ASB?

I am most excited about collaborating with my new colleagues, whose diverse expertise will inspire and challenge me. I am equally looking forward to engaging with students — helping them not only understand finance but also see its connections to the world around them.

What's the last TV show you binge-watched?

I recently re-watched The Big Bang Theory. While it is light-hearted and fun, I also find it surprisingly relatable. It portrays academics navigating research, teaching and collaboration, all with humor and humanity. It reminds me that while research can be intellectually demanding, curiosity and collaboration make the journey rewarding.