Zhiqun Li, Economics, Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhiqun Li: PhD Candidate at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, China

Zhiqun Li, also known as Alice Lee, is a rising scholar in applied microeconomics and labor economics. Her research focuses on pressing societal challenges such as household energy poverty and its impact on personal time allocation and overall economic well-being. Known for her innovative approach, Zhiqun combines econometric analysis with machine learning techniques to derive meaningful insights from complex data. Her dedication to research and academic excellence has been recognized through her publications in high-impact journals and her leadership roles in various projects.

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ORCID Profile

Education

Zhiqun Li has demonstrated academic excellence throughout her educational journey. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Economics at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, China, in an English-medium program. With a GPA of 86.5/100, she ranks first in her cohort. She previously earned a Bachelor of Management at Harbin University of Commerce, graduating as the top student in her class with a GPA of 93.43/100. Zhiqun’s academic foundation equips her with the knowledge and skills to excel in advanced economic research.

Research Focus

Zhiqun’s research is rooted in applied microeconomics and labor economics, with a specific focus on understanding household behaviors under economic constraints. Her work examines the relationship between energy poverty and personal time allocation, uncovering its broader implications for quality of life and socioeconomic equity. Leveraging econometric methods and machine learning tools, she provides innovative insights that inform public policy and contribute to improving societal outcomes.

Experience

Zhiqun has gained significant experience through research and industry roles. At the School of Economics, Peking University, she served as a Research Assistant, contributing to projects on household economic behavior and public policy analysis. Her responsibilities included data analysis, model development, and manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed journals. In the private sector, she has interned with Grant Thornton International Ltd. and Pfizer China, where she applied her analytical skills in auditing and marketing strategies. These experiences have honed her ability to bridge theoretical research and practical applications effectively.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Changzhi Li has been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the Min Enze Energy and Chemical Engineering Award and the Excellence in Research Award from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is also a Highly Cited Chinese Researcher, reflecting his significant contributions to catalytic biomass conversion and green technologies. His innovative work earned him the Innovation in Green Chemistry Award, highlighting his leadership in sustainable scientific advancements.

Research Timeline

Zhiqun’s research timeline showcases her consistent contributions to the field of economics:

  • 2022-2023: Initiated research on household energy poverty during her master’s program.
  • 2023: Published her first major paper, “Household Energy Poverty and Personal Time Allocation,” establishing her expertise in this niche field.
  • 2023-Present: Collaborating on interdisciplinary projects integrating econometric models with machine learning techniques for policy analysis.
  • 2024: Planned completion of her master’s thesis on the socioeconomic impacts of energy accessibility, with a focus on regional disparities in China.

Top-Noted Publication

Zhiqun’s most notable publication is her paper titled “Household Energy Poverty and Personal Time Allocation: Empirical Evidence from China,” published in Utilities Policy. As the lead and corresponding author, she spearheaded the study’s design, empirical analysis, and manuscript development. The paper explores how energy poverty influences personal time use and productivity, offering valuable insights for policymakers. This work has been praised for its methodological rigor and practical implications, solidifying Zhiqun’s reputation as a thought leader in applied economics research.

Household Energy Poverty and Personal Time Allocation: Empirical Evidence from China
Published in Utilities Policy (April 2025), this journal article examines the intricate relationship between household energy poverty and personal time allocation, with a focus on empirical evidence from China. The research explores how limited energy access affects individuals’ productivity, well-being, and time-use patterns, providing critical insights for policymakers addressing energy inequality and socio-economic disparities.

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