Zhen Liu

Liu Zhen holds dual faculty appointments as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Teaching in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University at Buffalo's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Economics within the College of Arts and Sciences. His interdisciplinary work bridges computational methods with economic theory, focusing on information asymmetry, behavioral decision-making, and financial market dynamics.

His educational foundation includes a PhD and MA from Stony Brook University and a BA in Economics from Tsinghua University, establishing strong quantitative and theoretical grounding. These qualifications are reflected in his dual-departmental roles where he integrates technical and economic perspectives.

Research interests emphasize how information structures influence market outcomes (information economics), psychological factors in economic choices (behavioral economics), and financial market mechanisms, extended through software and IT systems applications. This synthesis enables modeling of complex phenomena like investor behavior and policy impacts using computational frameworks.

His publication record shows an evolution from advanced mathematical research—particularly in matrix theory and algebra—to applied economic investigations. The mathematical works provide rigorous analytical tools now leveraged in current economic studies, demonstrating methodological continuity despite disciplinary shifts.

Key recognition includes:

• 2007 Outstanding Doctoral Student Paper Award (American Accounting Association Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting)

Research funding highlights comprise a Michigan Retirement Research Center grant (2008-2009) and a SUNY-Stony Brook Seed Grant for Survey Research (2007-2008), supporting projects on retirement literacy and survey methodologies. While no formal advisees are documented, his teaching roles involve mentoring students across computer science and economics curricula.

Current collaborative work connects with University at Buffalo's interdisciplinary research ecosystem, particularly through the Center for Survey Research during his Stony Brook tenure, indicating ongoing engagement with empirical economic analysis teams.