A Dream Came True: From Interest to Academic Pursuit
Huang’s fascination with economics began in high school. It was sparked by her love for reading books on social sciences, “Studying at Peking University had always been my childhood dream,” she recalls. “Hearing stories about campus life by the Weiming Lake inspired me, and I longed to experience it for myself.”
Her four years at Guanghua became a transformative period that cemented her academic ambitions. Under the guidance of accomplished faculty at Peking University, Huang transitioned from an inquisitive student to a budding researcher. The pivotal moment came during her sophomore year when she joined the Academic Star (学术之星项目)program. Working closely with Professor Meng Juanjuan, she delved into her first research project in economics.
“At that time, I realized that academic research is different from classroom learning. What matters most is not solving questions with standard answers, but rather asking meaningful and interesting questions,” Huang shared. This perspective shifted her approach to economics, moving her focus from merely completing short-term classroom assignments to long-term research projects.
During her junior year, Huang’s horizons broadened when she participated in an exchange program at the University of California, Berkeley. Exposure to cutting-edge research in behavioural economics solidified her decision to pursue a doctorate degree. “came to understand that true fulfilment lies in dedicating years to deeply exploring a single topic, rather than rushing to complete a project in just a few weeks," she explained.
By graduation, Huang’s undergraduate thesis was awarded “Outstanding Graduate Thesis,” and she received admission offers from multiple world-renowned institutions. She ultimately chose Harvard University to pursue her passion for behavioural economics.
The Harvard Chapter: Embracing Challenges and Growth
At Harvard, Huang transitioned from being a student to becoming an independent researcher. Her studies focused on behavioral economics, experimental economics, and political economy, where she sought to understand real-world phenomena through the lens of behavioral economic theory.
“Research is a long journey,” Huang reflected. “It can take years for an idea to mature into a published paper. I learned to embrace the unknown and find joy in the process, even when short-term results seemed elusive.”
She also came to appreciate the value of "failure" in research and appreciated how projects that did not produce immediate results often led to new ideas and growth. Her time at Harvard not only honed her academic skills but also instilled in her the resilience and patience needed to navigate the complexities of academic inquiry.
Coming Home: A Scholar’s Return to Guanghua
After completing her doctorate in 2024, Huang chose to return to China and Peking University. “Economics is a discipline grounded in real-world observations, and I feel more connected to the context here in China,” she explained. “I wanted my research to be deeply rooted in this soil, where I could ask better questions and gain more profound insights.”
Her return to Guanghua feels like a homecoming. “This is where I spent some of the best years of my life. Coming back here is like coming home,” she said with a smile.
Huang’s research continues to explore critical topics within behavioral economics and experimental economics. Her work aims to provide insights into pressing real-world issues, such as political communication, media bias, and the movement of information in social networks.
As an assistant professor in applied economics, Huang is set to teach courses such as Behavioral Economics and Digital Economics. She envisions her classroom as a dynamic space where students actively engage with the material and explore beyond traditional lectures. “An interactive and positive classroom environment benefits students greatly,” Huang noted. She plans to use diverse methods to foster participation and create a tailored learning experience for each student.
“My childhood dream was to become a teacher, someone who could inspire and guide others,” she said. “I am eternally grateful to have achieved that dream. Now, I hope to pass on the warmth and encouragement I received to my own students.”
Balancing her research with teaching is a challenge Huang welcomes. “Teaching allows me to share knowledge, but it also inspires new ideas and perspectives,” she explained. She hopes to create a learning environment where students feel supported both inside and outside the classroom.
Beyond academics, Huang is committed to building connections with her students. She hopes to serve as both a mentor and a confidante—a “Guanghua senior” who can guide them through challenges and support their growth.
