Short Bio
I am currently an economics Ph.D. candidate at Cornell University, working under the supervision of Prof. Chris Forman and Prof. Matt Marx. My research focuses on the economics of innovation and technology commercialization. I examine how firms influence the direction of academic science, how appropriability and absorptive capacity shape firms’ demand for external technologies, and how different commercialization channels—such as startup formation versus licensing—affect the diffusion of university inventions. I have been recognized with the Wharton Innovation Doctoral Symposium Best Paper Award and was nominated for the SMS Best PhD Paper Prize.
Research Interest
- Innovation: university–industry interaction, market for technology
- Entrepreneurship: commercialization strategy
Education
What’s New
- [July 2025] I will present my “Million Dollar Plants” paper in AOM 2025 in Copenhagen.
- [July 2025] I will present my “Million Dollar Plants” paper in The Max Planck Innovation & Entrepreneurship Seminar in Munich.
Working Papers
Works in Progress
- University Technology and Startup Funding (w. Pierre Azoulay & Matt Marx).
- The Way to Commercialize: Startup Formation or License? (w. David Hsu).
- When Data Fades: Data Investment, Depreciation, and Firm Market Value (w. Prasanna Tambe).
- The Power of Market: Policy Reforms and Innovation in Chinese Pharma Sector (w. Tianli Xia).
- Closing the Racial Gap in Entrepreneurship: The Role of Spousal Public Sector Jobs (w. Qian Wang).
Teaching
- [Fall 2021 and 2022] Econometrics (PhD level), rating: 4.9/5.0, Cornell.
- [Spring 2023 and 2024] Introductory Macroeconomics, rating: 4.9/5.0, Cornell.
- [Spring 2024] Digital Platform Strategy (MBA Level), Cornell.
- [Spring 2023] Microeconomics (MBA Level), Cornell.
Contact
Address: 109 Tower Rd, Ithaca, NY 14853
Office Location: Uris Hall at Cornell University
Email: hx276 (at) cornell.edu
