Advancing Research in Corporate Finance and Risk Management Through Saunders’ Ph.D. Program
Ph.D. student, Yuyan Wang from China
Where are you originally from?
China, Harbin
What is your undergraduate school and degree?
Harbin University of Commerce-Bachelor or Economics; The University of Queensland-Master of International Economics and Finance
What is your specialty in Saunders’ Ph.D. program?
Finance & Accounting
Why did you choose Saunders College of Business at RIT for your Ph.D. in business administration?
I chose Saunders because its Ph.D. program uniquely balances rigorous academic research and intentional preparation for academic careers. The college’s collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment aligns with my research interests, and faculty are not only leading scholars but also dedicated mentors who prioritize doctoral students’ growth.
Is there specific research that attracted you to Saunders College?
Yes. I am interested in Finance. Specifically, in corporate finance, risk management and capital markets. Saunders emphasizes rigorous research and partnerships with financial institutions providing unique opportunities.
What do you intend to do with your Ph.D. after you graduate?
After graduation, I aim to join a university as a professor. I also plan to continue refining the research I start at Saunders—publishing in top-tier journals and presenting at academic conferences to contribute to my field. Ultimately, I want to mentor students the way Saunders’ faculty have mentored me, helping the next generation connect research to practice.
What else would you like to share with others that are considering coming to Saunders for their Ph.D. in business administration?
For the one who would like to join the PhD program, I would like to say Saunders’ support is outstanding. Faculty offer guidance on research and publishing. The doctoral cohort is also tight-knit. We collaborate on projects and share feedback, which makes the challenging parts of the program more manageable. If you focus on growing into a well-rounded professor, Saunders doesn’t just train researchers, it cultivates academic leaders.