FinTech, Social Credit Systems and Facial Features

Yiting Liu and Lennart Baals have started their positions at the Institute Applied Data Science & Finance, while Myra Muzaffar and Marianne Freiin von Blomberg are now part of the team of the Institute Marketing & Global Management. 

My motivation for a PhD - and for working at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) 

Completing a PhD is an integral part of my life plan. Already during my bachelor studies I participated in research projects and discovered my passion for scientific work. I would like to work as a professor in the future and a PhD is essential for that. 
I think it's great that the BFH is active in research areas that match my interests. I have found a professor here who can provide financial support for my PhD position. Moreover, I love Switzerland since I did an exchange semester at the University of St. Gallen in 2019. 

My research interests 

AI in Finance and FinTech in general. This involves using statistical models and machine learning models to solve problems in the financial industry. 

My first impression of the BFH 

At first I thought that the BFH campus is in the forest. In China, universities are usually surrounded by fences. But here in Bern, there are so many trees around the campus. At work, I meet and talk with a lot with professors and other PhD students, which is a great inspiration for my research. 

What I like to do in my free time 

Watching TV series, playing ping pong (China's national sport), hiking and cooking. 

What sustainability means to me 

From a personal point of view, I think health is the most important for sustainable development. It should never be sacrificed to other goals. At work, it is important for me to save energy, so I always try to turn off lights when I walk out of the office. The topic is also becoming increasingly relevant in my research, e.g. in the field of Sustainable Finance. 

My motivation for a PhD - and for working at the BFH 

I would like to deepen my knowledge in the research field and make a meaningful contribution. I chose the BFH because it has an excellent reputation in the research areas that interest me. 

My research interests 

Digital Finance and Machine Learning. 

My first impression of the BFH 

I was very excited to start at the BFH and I am looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that await me here. 

What I like to do in my free time 

Reading, hiking and exploring new technologies 

What sustainability means to me 

Creating a better future for ourselves and future generations by balancing economic, social and environmental needs. But it also means questioning our own lifestyle and increasing our environmental awareness. 

My motivation for a PhD - and for working at the BFH 

During my work as a lecturer at Maastricht University, I came into contact with many exciting topics - including «Leadership». That's why I started looking for PhD positions in this field. My two supervisors Christian Hopp and Stefan Rose have offered me an exciting project to work on. I perceive the BFH as a good institution and I find that there are many projects here that receive funding. 

My research interests 

Organizational Change and Leadership. I am currently working on «The Face of Change» project. It is about how faces or the perception of faces influence leadership performance. 

My first impression of the BFH 

I didn't know exactly what to expect and was a bit nervous before the start because I don't speak German. However, I found the people at the BFH to be very open. I had to get used to the new processes and workflows a bit. 

What I like to do in my free time 

Jogging, yoga, hiking, swimming (in summer), reading or doing activities with friends 

What sustainability means to me 

Sustainability has become one of these big words that can mean everything. I watched a TED talk recently about lessons we can learn from water. I believe one of those lessons, i.e., nurturing and growing the people and environment around you, is what sustainability means to me. 

My motivation for a PhD  

Already during my master studies at the university in Hangzhou (China), I studied the Chinese Social Credit System. I wanted to find out how the system works and what role it plays in the Chinese government system. My PhD gives me the freedom and time to dive deeper into this fascinating topic. 

My research interests 

I am interested in how different countries approach and use data from citizens and corporate organizations for governance. I am focusing on the Social Credit System in China and would like to know how it relates to the legal system. 

My first impression of the BFH 

I was welcomed with open arms. Thanks to the friendly environment, the good technological infrastructure, the helpful administration and the nice colleagues, I quickly felt at home. 

What I like to do in my free time 

Rock climbing and Capoeira 

What sustainability means to me 

To creatively question the structures around us as we live our daily lives and keep an open mind for ideas to change them. Sustainability is a state of mind that I aspire.