Xinhao Dong

EconomicsFaculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

I am a PhD candidate in Economics at Simon Fraser University. My research focuses on macroeconomics and monetary economics, particularly how financial institutions, household decisions, and economic policies interact. What I find most fascinating about economics is the connection between individual decisions and broader economic outcomes. A policy that looks simple at the aggregate level can have very different effects depending on how banks, households, and other institutions respond. I enjoy exploring these mechanisms by combining economic theory with empirical evidence. For me, research is about asking meaningful questions, understanding why things happen, and finding credible ways to test our explanations.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

I joined SFU's MA program in 2022 and continued into the PhD program in 2023. One of the main attractions of SFU was the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in economic theory and empirical methods within a supportive research environment. Throughout my studies, I have particularly valued the opportunity to work closely with faculty members, especially my supervisor, Professor Lucas Herrenbrueck. The department has given me the freedom to explore different research questions while developing the skills needed to pursue independent research.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

My research tries to understand how economic policies affect people's everyday lives, often through channels that are not immediately visible. For example, when a central bank changes its monetary policy, banks may respond by adjusting how they raise funds or provide credit. These decisions can eventually influence how households borrow and spend. I also study how information from central banks reaches the public through financial analysts and the media. Beyond monetary policy, I am interested in how pensions and social protection influence family decisions, including work, migration, and childcare. Ultimately, I want to understand not just whether an economic policy works, but how it works, for whom, and under what circumstances.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Monetary Economics; Financial Intermediation; Household Finance

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

My graduate coursework provided a foundation in economic theory, econometrics, and quantitative methods. More importantly, it taught me how to turn broad economic questions into precise, researchable problems. Working as a research assistant has helped me appreciate the practical challenges of empirical research, from constructing datasets to understanding institutional details and evaluating the credibility of results. Teaching has also been an important part of my development. I particularly enjoy teaching microeconomics and helping students understand the mechanisms behind economic models rather than simply memorizing their conclusions. Explaining these ideas clearly has also strengthened my own research, especially when connecting individual economic decisions to aggregate outcomes.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research

I was honoured to receive the Lang Wong Memorial Endowment Scholarship in 2025 and the Peter Kennedy Memorial Graduate Fellowship in 2026. These awards have provided valuable support for my graduate studies and encouraged me to continue pursuing ambitious research questions. I am particularly grateful for the recognition of both academic research and teaching, which are two important parts of the academic career I hope to pursue.

What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned along your graduate student journey (or in becoming a graduate student)?

One of the most important lessons I have learned is that having an interesting idea is only the beginning of good research. A meaningful research project requires not only a compelling question, but also a clear economic mechanism and credible evidence. Sometimes an initially promising idea needs to be substantially revised, or even abandoned, when the available data cannot support the conclusions we hoped to draw. I have also learned the importance of constructive criticism and collaboration. Discussions with supervisors, colleagues, and other researchers often reveal weaknesses or possibilities that are difficult to recognize when working alone. Learning to accept uncertainty, revise my thinking, and remain curious has been an essential part of becoming a researcher.

How do you approach networking and building connections in and outside of your academic community?

I see networking primarily as an opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from others, rather than simply building a list of professional contacts. Academic seminars, conferences, and informal conversations are valuable because they expose me to different approaches and ways of thinking. Some of the most productive discussions happen when researchers from different fields examine the same problem from different perspectives. I also value maintaining connections with researchers whose interests extend beyond my own specialization, as these conversations can lead to unexpected insights and new collaborations.

What are some tips for balancing your academic and personal life?

I think one important lesson is to recognize that research is a long-term process, and being productive does not necessarily mean working continuously. Outside academia, I enjoy photography, particularly capturing nature, plants, landscapes, and small details that might otherwise go unnoticed. Photography encourages me to slow down, explore my surroundings, and pay attention to things beyond my research. I also try to make time for exercise and other activities. Taking time away from academic work often helps me return with a clearer perspective and renewed motivation.

Contact Xinhao:xinhao_dong@sfu.ca

Additional Links

• My Personal Website