Shan Gui

When are you graduating?

Spring 2024

Describe your dissertation, thesis, or capstone:

My current research employs both laboratory and lab-in-field experiments to explore topics related to Dynamic Meacham Design and Economic Inequality. I strive to understand the motives behind economic decision-making, with the aim of contributing valuable insights to economic theory and mechanism design for natural environments.

How did you choose your specific area of study?

I fell in love with experimental economics during my undergraduate thesis. Using a lab experiment, I explored how deception and trust behaviors could be influenced by initial endowment inequality. This research adventure has solidified my resolve to pursue a Ph.D. in behavioral and experimental economics.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

CHSS offers unparalleled support for students' research endeavors. It's where I conduct experiments, attend seminars, and present my research. These enriching academic experiences have deepened my passion for continued research pursuits.

Of which accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud?

I independently instructed a summer in-person course, teaching Econ 103 Microeconomics Principles. I guided students in classroom experiments, and students loved my class!

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?

My advisor, Daniel Houser, consistently provides me with his utmost trust, encouragement, and support for my research. He patiently listens to my sometimes poorly articulated ideas and helps shape them into practical and inspiring research topics. His unwavering backing extends to all my experiments and research endeavors. I couldn't have made these five years without his invaluable guidance. Most importantly, his academic and personal energy serves as a constant source of inspiration for me to continue my journey as a happy researcher.

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?

Time flies. Though it is never too late to start anything, it is always better to start everything earlier.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

I will join Shanghai University of Finance and Economics as a tenure-track assistant professor. My long-term career goals are to explore and develop experiments in the lab and in the field.