Mingwen Yang
University of Washington
Foster School of Business
“Mingwen created and coordinated a new undergraduate course in Information Systems at the University of Washington, focusing on cybersecurity in response to the evolving IT landscape and the increasing importance. What truly sets Mingwen apart is her ability to effectively deliver this highly technical course to undergraduate students within the business school, for a depth of understanding rather than mere surface-level knowledge.” – Vijay Mookerjee
Mingwen Yang, 34, is Assistant Professor at University of Washington Foster School of Business.
Her current research focuses on social trading, fintech, and cybersecurity. Her work has been published in journals such as Management Science, MIS Quarterly, Information Systems Research, and Production and Operations Management.
She received the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research and Ph.D. Program Mentoring Award from Foster School of Business in 2023. Her PhD dissertation received the INFORMS ISS Nunamaker-Chen Dissertation Runner-Up Award in 2019.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? 2019
Education: PhD in Information Systems, Jindal School of Management, University of Texas at Dallas
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Networks and Cybersecurity
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when … I pursued dual master’s degrees at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Georgia Institute of Technology.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it? I am currently working on social trading, a financial practice that blends social networks and trading, allowing people to interact, share insights, and follow the trading strategies of more experienced investors. In one recent project, we identified a trading bias stemming from the copying fee earned by the trader and proposed a mechanism design to correct this bias.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be … working in an IT company.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? I feel greater satisfaction in witnessing my students acquire knowledge in my class than in my own learning.
One word that describes my first time teaching: Uncertain.
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor: Promote extensive student discussions in class and encourage students to ponder problems rather than providing direct solutions.
Professor I most admire and why: Prof. Vijay Mookerjee. He is a profound thinker, a brilliant and sincere scholar who genuinely cares about student learning.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students? Students are creative, with a strong desire to articulate their thoughts.
What is most challenging? Students come from a wide range of technical backgrounds.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Open-minded.
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Prejudiced.
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as … fair.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies? Hiking, listening to music.
How will you spend your summer? Enjoy the weather and outdoor activities in Seattle.
Favorite place(s) to vacation: Exploring Western United States on a road trip.
Favorite book(s): The Power of Now.
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much? Dogs Are Incredible. It is a fun as well as educational show.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? Ambient Music. Listening to it can calm me down and bring inner peace.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this… Students engage in extensive experiential learning, including shadowing business executives.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at… Understanding the environmental impact of their decisions. Economic growth should not come at the cost of the environment.
I’m grateful for … my family for their love and support.
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