About
My work revolves around rural communities, policy, and development—but my connection to these themes runs much deeper than research alone.
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I have always felt at home in nature. Growing up with my grandparents in a mountainous village in Shanxi, China, I spent my childhood surrounded by cornfields and the rhythms of rural life. Those early years gave me a deep appreciation for farming and the resilience of farmers’ communities—an experience that continues to shape my perspective today.
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Beyond my research, I love painting, hiking, and gardening. Recently, I relocated to Rome, where I’ve started a small vegetable garden—not just as a way to unwind, but to stay connected to the land, much like I did in my childhood.
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Feel free to explore my website, and don’t hesitate to reach out.
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Education
2020 - present
Ph.D. Candidate in Development Studies.
International Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam.
My doctoral research delves into the intricate relationship between poverty alleviation policies and the influential role of policy entrepreneurs in rural China. These entrepreneurs range from grassroots farmers' organizations to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and forward-thinking business leaders. Central to my study was the exploration of community-driven development initiatives and innovative, community-based solutions for elderly care. This work not only highlights the dynamic nature of rural development but also underscores the vital impact of local leadership and collaborative efforts in shaping effective poverty alleviation strategies.
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I also give lectures on economic psychology, development economics, policy & program evaluations, and fieldwork approaches. I served as second examiner for MA evaluation exams, assessing students' performance on Terms of Reference (ToR), logframes, and evaluation methods.
2016 - 2019
Master of Science in Economic Psychology. Central University of Finance and Economics.
During my master's program, I specialized in the impact of culture on risk preferences and decision-making. I developed skills in designing psychology experiments, and data analysis. I also had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of sociologists and psychologists and gained experience in teaching assistance.
2011 - 2015
Bachelor of Economics in Taxation. Central University of Finance and Economics.
As an undergraduate student, I studied taxation and gained a foundational understanding of economics and decision-making. After graduation, I had the opportunity to work in tax consultancy. My role centered on conducting research and evaluation of tax policies to provide policy advice and recommendations to notable clients such as Pfizer and Fitch Rating. My focus was on optimizing their tax strategies and ensuring seamless adaptation to evolving policies and regulations.
Additionally, I managed client-government relationships to ensure tax policy compliance and foster cooperation.