Lei Zhao

Lei Zhao, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Accounting at the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business, Saint Louis University. His research focuses on transparency determinants, auditing roles in capital markets, and regulatory compliance. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia and degrees in accounting and actuarial science from the University of Central Missouri and North China Electric Power University.

• Education:
• Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia
• M.S. in Actuarial Science and Statistics, University of Central Missouri
• M.A. in Accounting, University of Central Missouri
• B.A. in Accounting, North China Electric Power University

His work examines compliance costs of emerging growth companies under the JOBS Act and the impact of auditing practices. His 2019 publication in Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory explores these themes. He has received awards including the AAA/Deloitte Doctoral Consortium Fellowship (2017) and teaching accolades from the University of Missouri. As a reviewer for the Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance, he contributes to academic rigor in the field. Contact: lei.zhao@slu.edu.