Meet Our Students

1.    “What drew you to UB?”

Haoyu Chen "Some places shape your future. For me, UB is exactly that kind of place.” The passion of the faculty, the clash of ideas, and the wholehearted academic support—all of these mean that at UB, knowledge doesn’t just reside in books; it thrives in dialogue, debate, and discovery. Every weekly seminar feels like a new journey, revealing ever-widening horizons.

As an international student, I’ve found more than a university here; I’ve found a sense of belonging. Buffalo’s tranquility and open skies constantly remind me that the most profound insights often emerge in silence, while also inspiring me to break boundaries and embrace the unknown. This is where I explore, learn, and redefine what’s possible."

Burt Ma "I was drawn to UB because of its strong research focus and the opportunity to work with faculty who are actively engaged in applied economics. The department fosters a great academic environment, and I appreciate the resources and support available to help develop rigorous, policy-relevant research."

Huajing Xiao "I chose UB because it has a great economics environment and strong academic resources. UB offers many seminars and academic events where I can talk with professors and colleagues, helping me see new ideas. More importantly, I want to improve my research skills at UB and work with people who share my interests."

2.    “What led you to becoming interested in the field of Economics? Is there a specific sub-field you find particularly thought-provoking?”

Haoyu Chen "“Economics is that invisible thread woven into everyday life, quietly steering the world along.” It dictates market fluctuations, shapes national fortunes, and influences the choices we make each day. My fascination with economics has never been about formulas alone, but rather how they connect to human well-being, opportunity, and the future.

In my view, economics is far from a cold set of numbers; it’s deeply intertwined with human nature and social transformation. At UB, I’ve witnessed the intersection of financial and environmental economics, watching theory clash with reality. Here, research isn’t confined to a single path—it’s a vast expanse, one I’m still traversing in search of my own direction.

One day, I hope to translate these findings into real-world actions, so that more people can benefit from the insights economics can offer"

Burt Ma "I became interested in economics because of its ability to analyze and address complex societal issues through data-driven approaches. My passion lies in health economics, as it directly influences public well-being and policy decisions. I am also interested interdisciplinary fields like pharmacoeconomics, where economic principles help evaluate the cost-effectiveness of pharmaceuticals and healthcare interventions. This intersection of economics and healthcare policy provides valuable insights into improving efficiency and accessibility within healthcare systems."

Huajing Xiao "My interest in economics started from observing daily life. Economics is everywhere. Right now, I am interested in financial economics. However, I am still exploring more fields to learn new things and see more possibilities."

3.    “Where do you hope to see your academic experience take you in the future?”

Haoyu Chen "“I want to be a teacher—not just passing on knowledge in the classroom, but leaving a lasting imprint through the continuation of ideas.” For me, research is more than analysis or deduction; it’s a conversation with the world. I hope my work can raise questions that spark new ways of thinking, making economics less about numbers and more about people.

At UB, I’ve found an intellectual home that values freedom of thought and the spirit of exploration. In the future, I hope to build a bridge in the classroom—helping students see the close ties between scholarship and society, and inspiring them to act on what they’ve learned. Here, learning is no longer a destination but a continuous, creative journey."

Burt Ma "I hope to contribute to research that informs healthcare policy and economic decision making, particularly in health economics. Whether in academia, a research institution, or a policy focused organization, I hope to work on projects that evaluate the economic impact of healthcare interventions, optimize resource allocation, and improve public health outcomes."

Huajing Xiao "I am still open to my future career. I might want to go into industry, but I am still thinking about it. My interest in economics comes from daily observations, so maybe I would like to apply theory to real-world problems. In industry, I will have more chances to see the diversity of economics in action. I can explore different patterns in the economy and use them in practice."

Meet all our current Phd students.

Meet our Economics major students and the department's current College Ambassador. College Ambassadors are outstanding students nominated by their department to represent the department at campus and community events.