Xuemeng Wang

Xuemeng Wang began her PhD studies in 2022. Her research concerns labor, education, and health economics, with a focus on human capital formation.

What inspired you to pursue a doctoral degree in economics?

From a methodological perspective, I want to pursue economics phd because of its rigorous model —especially causal inference and econometric models—which allows us to analyze real-world issues in a systematic and logical way. Economists aim to understand complex phenomena through quantification and supply–demand frameworks, which I find both powerful and elegant. I still remember the first time I studied game theory in microeconomics. I was fascinated by how it could formalize social interactions into bargaining models and concepts such as Nash equilibrium. On a personal level, I have always been curious about understanding the world behind social and individual outcomes. I strongly believe that the pattern under the data provide a credible way to answer these questions. I am particularly interested in micro level decision making, what mechanisms drive these effects, and how policy can be designed accordingly. Ultimately, I hope that my research can contribute—even in a small way—to improving the world. That would already be very meaningful to me.

Can you tell us about your current research?

My research lies at the intersection of labor, education, and health economics, with a focus on human capital formation. I am particularly interested in how education can reduce inequality and improve efficiency.My work focuses on the role of teachers as key inputs in human capital development. In my doctoral research, I study how teachers’ work environments, teaching practices and styles, and mentoring roles affect both student outcomes and teacher well-being. Using quasi-experimental designs and administrative data, I provide causal evidence on the effects of teaching styles, student composition, and teacher–parent engagement on both cognitive and non-cognitive outcomes. My research aims to inform education and labor market policies by highlighting the role of teachers as both educators and workers in building more effective and sustainable education systems.  I am also interested in how AI can be integrated into education, particularly how teachers, schools, and families can use AI to support personalized learning. I would be happy to connect with others working on related ideas or projects.

How do you plan to apply your economic expertise in the real world and in your future career?

I see two main paths for applying my economic expertise in the real world. If I remain in academia, I hope to continue working in my research. In particular, I am interested in designing field experiments, such as pilot programs in schools, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and survey-based studies, to better understand how future education systems may evolve.

If I do not remain in academia, I would still like to apply my skills in government or research institutions, focusing on issues such as teacher shortages and the behavioral consequences of early exposure to digital technologies among adolescents. Alternatively, given my experience with Python and machine learning, I am also open to transitioning into a data scientist or AI engineering role, where I can apply my technical skills to real-world problems.

What advice would you give to those considering applying to the PhD program in economics at Uppsala university?

I think the most important thing is to ask yourself whether you truly enjoy research and whether you are willing to devote a significant amount of time and energy to answering the questions that matter only to you. Doing a PhD requires a strong mindset. Research is a long and repetitive process—you constantly question yourself, refine your ideas, and sometimes start over.

I would also suggest starting as a research assistant (RA) if possible, to see whether this environment truly suits you.

What opportunities for collaboration and networking have you found at the department?

The faculty here are very open and generally willing to collaborate with students on research projects. After the first year, PhD students can join their advisors’ projects, and it is also common to reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential opportunities.

The department offers many seminars and research groups, which provide valuable opportunities to engage with ongoing work. Students can also interact with seminar speakers and build connections through informal discussions. In addition, the close distance to IFAU creates further opportunities to attend seminars and workshops there.

Through second-year coursework and PhD workshops, students can also build networks with PhD and post-doc from Stockholm.Finally, there are opportunities to apply for exchange programs, which allow students to visit other institutions and expand their academic networks.