Meet the Faculty: Yan Li, Information Systems & Technology
CGU is always pleased to welcome new faculty members. Here is Yan Li, who will be teaching at the Center for Information Systems & Technology (CISAT). She received her PhD from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Why did you choose to come to CGU?
After visiting the CISAT website, I felt greatly connected with the center’s focus on integrating research, teaching, and practice in an academic environment. I caught myself saying, “Yes, that is me: design and build, collaborate in teaching, and promote social learning.” I also found delight in the city of Claremont, not just in its trees and PhDs, but in its blend of West Coast chill and East Coast history.
What are your research interests?
My career integrates research, teaching, and practice in the interconnected areas of knowledge management and data management. I focus on designing knowledge-management systems and methods for analytics and data science. I am also interested in interdisciplinary research, where my deep knowledge of data management and analytics can provide a different angle in other research domains.
What is the best book you could give someone to get them interested in your field?
For a good introduction to the data-mining process in a business setting, I recommend Michael J. A. Berry and Gordon S. Linoff’s Data Mining Techniques: For Marketing, Sales, and Customer Relationship Management, 2nd Edition.
What teacher/mentor made the most impact on you and why?
My dissertation chair, Kweku-Muata Osei-Bryson. He challenged my intellectual curiosity in the field of data management and analytics and was the reason I chose Virginia Commonwealth University for my PhD. He continues to help me mature as an independent teacher and researcher.
What is your most common form of procrastination when trying to get work done?
During the day, I will clean and organize the house or office. At night, I usually do online shoe shopping. Being a night owl, my shoe collection has grown exponentially during my doctoral study.
if you could choose any career outside academia, what would it be?
I would be a professional designer and organizer. I have helped chronically disorganized people or those with attention deficit disorder.
What advice would you give grad students that you yourself didn’t learn until after you received your PhD?
When going to conferences, do not just talk to people you know. Instead, reach out to senior researchers, junior faculty, and peers. Networking is very important in the research community.