Dayu Yang is a postdoctoral researcher in the financial services analytics (FSAN) Ph.D. program at the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics and is expected to graduate in Spring 2025. He was recently offered a full-time postdoctoral research job from Meta AI. He shared why he chose Lerner to further his studies and professional aspirations.
Lerner: Why did you go back to pursue your graduate degree? Why did you choose the Lerner College for your studies?
Yang: I chose to pursue my graduate degree because I am passionate about deepening my knowledge in the field of financial services analytics and expanding my research capabilities. The complexities of modern financial systems and the increasing reliance on data-driven decision-making sparked my interest in exploring advanced analytical techniques that can drive meaningful insights and innovation in this field.
I chose the Lerner College for my studies because of its strong reputation in business and finance, particularly in analytics and data science. The interdisciplinary approach of the financial services analytics program at Lerner, which combines business acumen with advanced analytical methods, perfectly aligns with my career aspirations. Additionally, the faculty’s expertise, the college’s emphasis on real-world applications, and the collaborative research environment made it the ideal place for me to further my education and contribute to the field.
Lerner: What did you learn through this opportunity that you wouldn’t have learned anywhere else?
Yang: Through this opportunity, I gained a unique perspective on the intersection of financial services and advanced analytics that I wouldn’t have learned anywhere else. The financial services analytics program at the Lerner College provided me with hands-on experience in applying cutting-edge analytical techniques to real-world financial data, allowing me to tackle complex problems that are specific to this industry.
I also had the chance to collaborate closely with industry professionals and experienced faculty members, which offered invaluable insights into the practical challenges and opportunities within the financial sector. This combination of academic rigor and real-world application, along with access to specialized resources and a network of experts in the field, provided a learning experience that is truly unique to this program.
Lerner: Please share an example of a course or concept that you were able to apply directly to your life and/or career.
Yang: One example of a course that had a direct impact on my career is FSAN 850: Financial Services Analytics Seminar Search and Data Mining, taught by Professor Hui Fang. In this course, I gained deep insights into advanced data mining techniques and search algorithms, which are essential for analyzing large datasets in the financial sector.
One of the key concepts I learned was how to effectively apply search algorithms to financial data to uncover patterns and trends that are not immediately apparent. I was able to directly apply this knowledge to my work by optimizing data retrieval processes and enhancing the accuracy of predictive models in a project I was working on. This hands-on application not only improved the efficiency of my work but also reinforced the practical value of the techniques we studied in class. The ability to translate these advanced concepts into real-world solutions has been invaluable in advancing my career in financial services analytics.
Lerner: Describe an important connection you have made through your graduate program (personal, professional, peers, mentors, professors, etc.)
Yang: One of the most important connections I have made through my graduate program is with my advisor, Professor Hui Fang. Professor Fang is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Delaware and is also affiliated with the Department of Computer and Information Sciences, the Institute for Financial Services Analytics, and the Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. She leads the InfoLab group, focusing on cutting-edge research in areas such as information retrieval, knowledge bases, data mining, and biomedical informatics.
Working closely with Professor Fang has been a transformative experience for me. Her guidance and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping my research direction and deepening my understanding of complex analytical techniques. Under her supervision, I have had the opportunity to explore innovative research topics, particularly in the intersection of financial services and data analytics. Her support and insights have not only helped me develop as a researcher but also provided me with valuable connections and opportunities in the academic and professional world.
This connection has been pivotal in my graduate journey, providing me with both the intellectual guidance and professional network necessary to succeed in my field.
Lerner: If you were to describe your classmates in one word, what would that be and why?
Yang: If I were to describe my classmates in one word, it would be “collaborative.”
This is because my classmates consistently demonstrate a strong commitment to working together, sharing ideas, and supporting each other throughout our academic journey. Whether it’s group projects, study sessions, or simply offering advice, there’s a genuine sense of teamwork and mutual respect that enhances our learning experience and fosters a positive, productive environment.
Lerner: How do you balance your career with your studies?
Yang: Balancing my career with my studies requires careful planning, time management, and prioritization. I start by setting clear goals for both my academic and professional responsibilities, ensuring that I allocate time for each without compromising the other.
I rely on a structured schedule, where I break down tasks into manageable parts and set deadlines to keep myself on track. This helps me stay organized and reduces the risk of feeling overwhelmed. I also prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, which allows me to focus on what’s critical at any given moment.
Communication is also key. I keep my supervisors and professors informed about my commitments, which helps manage expectations and provides some flexibility when needed. Additionally, I make sure to carve out time for self-care and relaxation, as maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for sustaining long-term productivity and well-being.
By staying organized, being clear about my priorities, and maintaining open communication, I’ve been able to effectively balance my career and studies.
Lerner: Fill in this sentence: “My graduate program helped me become…”
Yang: My graduate program helped me become a more skilled and confident researcher, capable of applying advanced analytical techniques to solve complex problems in the financial services industry.
Lerner: What was the most impactful hands-on project or case competition that you were able to participate in?
Yang: The most impactful hands-on project I participated in was my first research project: an exploration study of mixed-initiative query reformulation in conversational passage retrieval. This project was pivotal because it allowed me to dive deep into the challenges of improving the effectiveness of conversational search systems.
Through this project, I developed a framework that enabled both the system and the user to collaboratively refine search queries, leading to more accurate and relevant results. The hands-on nature of the project, from designing the experiments to analyzing the outcomes, provided me with invaluable experience in tackling real-world problems using advanced research methodologies. This project not only honed my technical skills but also reinforced the importance of user-centered design in developing effective search technologies.
Lerner: What are your plans or next steps for the future?
Yang: Doing more advanced research. Be a domain expert in my area.