Xian Sun

Xian Sun serves as Professor of Practice in Accounting and Finance at Johns Hopkins University's Carey Business School, where she has been faculty since 2009 and currently directs the Master of Science in Finance program. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. and MBA in Finance from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, complemented by prior experience as Senior Financial Economist at the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Her educational credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Finance, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2006)
• MBA in Finance, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2002)
• BA, Shanghai Jiaotong University (2000)

Professor Sun's research centers on corporate finance, banking, emerging markets (with China specialization), and financial risk management. She investigates political economy dynamics in transition economies, tax aggressiveness determinants, IPO performance differentials between state-owned and private enterprises, and sustainability-business environment interactions. Her methodology blends rigorous empirical analysis with institutional context awareness.

Recent publication trends (2021-2022) reveal concentrated output on China's financial markets, featuring three 2022 papers examining corporate power structures, tax behavior, and post-IPO political dynamics across leading journals including Journal of Financial Stability and China Accounting and Finance Review. Her work consistently addresses regulatory implications and market efficiency questions.

Her scholarly recognition includes:

• Johns Hopkins University Alumni Association Excellence in Teaching Award (2018-2022)
• Carey Business School Dean’s Award (2017-2021)
• Office of the Comptroller of Currency On-The-Spot Awards (2007-2008)
• RPI Del and Edith Karger Dissertation Prize (2006)

As Academic Program Director, Professor Sun mentors MS in Finance students while advancing curriculum innovation. Her active research pipeline—evidenced by working papers on pandemic-era hospital financial fragility—demonstrates ongoing scholarly productivity. She serves on editorial boards and as journal reviewer, contributing to field development beyond her own publications.

Though not leading a traditional laboratory, Professor Sun integrates Retrieval-Augmented Generation and Agentic AI systems into financial education, creating distinctive learning environments where students engage with AI-augmented financial analysis tools. This approach positions her program at the forefront of technology-enhanced finance education.