Susan Mays

Susan Mays is a Professor at the University of Texas at Austin's College of Liberal Arts, specializing in Asia-Pacific economic and technological development with emphasis on China. She teaches courses including China-U.S. Economic Relations, China's Economy, and Global Economies: Asia and the U.S.

Her educational background:

• PhD in Global Economic History (Asia/China focus) from Columbia University
• MA in East Asian Studies (China focus) from Harvard University
• MS in Engineering-Economic Systems from Stanford University
• BS in Engineering from Purdue University

Professor Mays' research examines high-technology sector evolution in China, particularly semiconductor industry transformation from state-dominated to globally integrated systems. She analyzes macroeconomic trends, global supply chains, investment patterns, and human capital development within China's economic reforms. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges engineering systems, business strategy, and socio-economic policy analysis in East Asian contexts.

She has received prestigious awards including Columbia University's Hofstadter Fellowship and Weatherhead Fellowship during doctoral studies, plus Peking University's Globex Fellow appointment (2014-2023).

Prior to academia, Professor Mays worked as an engineer and Kearney management consultant on global supply chains across Asia and Europe. Since 1999, she has maintained deep engagement with China through research, teaching at Peking University, and business advisory work. She relocated to Austin in 2012 after two decades in New York City, maintaining active connections with Chinese institutions and Fortune 500 enterprises.