About Me

I am a 4th-year Ph.D. candidate in Economics at the University of California, Merced. My research studies how leadership, institutions, and incentives shape innovation and knowledge production. Prior to beginning my doctoral studies, I worked as a data analyst in the San Francisco Bay Area. I received a M.A. in Economics from the University of San Francisco. Outside of research, I enjoy running, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Research Fields

  • Applied Microeconomics
  • Labor Economics
  • Applied Econometrics

Research Interests

  • Economics of Science and Innovation
  • Leadership

Contact

Feel free to reach out via email at zdong12[at]ucmerced.edu.