Graduate Faculty Focus | Yankuo Qiao, Ph.D.

I received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Shandong University, a master’s degree in quantitative finance and a Ph.D. in management with a concentration in finance from Rutgers University. 

Before joining Hood College, I worked as a visiting professor at Oakland University. Additionally, I serve as an editorial board member and ad hoc reviewer for several scholarly journals. My research interests include corporate finance, corporate governance and corporate social responsibility.

I was drawn to Hood College because of its strong student-focused approach and its unique blend of a liberal arts foundation with professional studies. I am passionate about teaching and feel empowered by the supportive environment here. 

Hood College’s commitment to both academic rigor and professional preparation makes it an ideal place for me to contribute and grow as a scholar and educator.

The workshop, hosted every three years by the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington, brings together editors from top journals to collaborate with junior scholars on their DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) research projects in finance and accounting. 

I had the privilege of joining four other junior scholars from CUHK, the University of Toronto and Boston College in a group led by Stephan Siegel, Ph,.D., the editor of the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis.

During the two-day workshop, our group met three times for a total of five hours, engaging in seminar-style presentations and in-depth discussions. I received constructive feedback on my work and had the opportunity to discuss the papers of my group members.

It was a wonderful experience that allowed me to connect with peers from leading research institutions and editors of top finance and accounting journals.

This research is a collaborative effort with my coauthors Qinzheng Xu from Tulane University and Tengfei Zhang from Rutgers University. We examine how forecast behaviors of East Asian financial analysts in the United States would change in the face of escalated crimes against Asians amid COVID-19. 

Using a DID approach, we find that compared with non-East-Asian analysts, East Asian analysts issue financial forecasts of lower boldness, higher pessimism, lower updating frequency and weaker timeliness amidst the pandemic. The inferior forecast quality of East Asian financial analysts is associated with increased analyst herding, decreased consensus forecast accuracy and lower post-earnings announcement abnormal returns. 

Our findings imply that racial animus and bias could distort forecast behaviors of analysts from ethnic minority backgrounds, resulting in reduced market information efficiency and stock valuation. 

Interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and educational experiences at the workshop was incredibly enriching for me. I had the chance to learn from different perspectives, which broadened my academic horizons and opened up new avenues for collaboration. 

Connecting with peers from varied backgrounds created a synergy that boosted our productivity and brought fresh insights to our DEI research in finance and business. 

One course I would like to develop for the badge program is Financial Modeling and Portfolio Management in Excel. This course will focus on equipping students with practical skills in financial analysis using Excel. It will feature a series of Excel templates designed to guide students through the intricacies of portfolio management. 

Additionally, the curriculum will cover essential Excel functions and shortcuts crucial for effective financial modeling. By taking a hands-on approach, students will gain valuable tools and techniques directly applicable to careers in finance.

The Skill Accelerator badge program at Hood will thrive by focusing on transformative and practical skills across diverse topics, including interdisciplinary areas that blend business analytics, AI, health science and humanities, among many others. 

By offering flexible, synchronous and asynchronous online courses, the badge program will cater to various learning preferences and schedules. Additionally, engaging in community outreach and social initiatives will further enrich the program, fostering a dynamic learning environment and impactful connections. 

Firstly, our program offers a robust curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world applications, preparing students to excel in diverse business environments. 

Secondly, our faculty bring extensive industry experience and academic expertise, ensuring students receive top-tier education and mentorship. Additionally, the small class sizes foster a collaborative learning environment where students can engage deeply with peers and faculty. 

Lastly, the guidance and support of the Graduate School enhance the overall learning experience and opportunities available to students.

Overall, our MBA program equips students with the skills, knowledge and network needed to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape, resonating with Hood College’s integration of liberal arts and professions. 

Outside of work, I enjoy swimming hiking, and watching documentary films. 

Inspired by Professor Qiao’s story and ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn about Hood’s graduate programs, including the MBA program and our focus in data analytics and artificial intelligence, by clicking here