Emile Segbegnon Sonehekpon | Quantitative Economics | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Emile Segbegnon Sonehekpon | Quantitative Economics | Young Scientist Award

Researcher | Ecole Nationale Superieure de Statistique et d’Economie Appliquee | Benin

Dr. Emile Sègbégnon Sonehekpon is an Economist and Policy Analyst specializing in quantitative and applied economics, with expertise in financial stability, agricultural credit markets, and development policy in Sub-Saharan Africa. He earned his Ph.D. in Quantitative Economics from the National School of Statistics and Applied Economics (ENSEA), Abidjan, in 2024, where his dissertation focused on “Accessing Farm Credit Market: The Role of Asymmetry and Information Sharing.” His research employs advanced econometric and statistical modeling to analyze issues related to banking risk, information asymmetry, financial inclusion, and poverty reduction. Dr. Sonehekpon has published in several peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Financial Economic Policy, Agricultural Finance Review, and the Revue Économique et Monétaire, and he is currently developing multiple papers on artificial intelligence in banking, credit market segmentation, and renewable energy financing. He has presented his work at major international conferences such as the Canadian Society for Economic Science Congress (2022) and the Atlantic Canada Economic Association Conference (2023), and has received specialized training in risk modeling and impact evaluation from Université Laval and the J-PAL Laboratory (MIT network). Professionally, he has served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Benin (INRAB) and as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Abomey-Calavi, contributing to both research and academic instruction. His collaborations with institutions such as Moncton University, the World Bank, and WAEMU research networks reflect his commitment to promoting evidence-based policymaking. Fluent in French and English, Dr. Sonehekpon’s scholarly and professional contributions aim to enhance inclusive economic growth through the integration of empirical analysis and policy innovation in Africa.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Sonehekpon, E. S. (2024). Heterogeneity effect of prudential regulation on the stability of banks: Evidence from WAEMU banks using quantile regression with fixed effects. Journal of Financial Economic Policy.

Dr. Emile S. Sonehekpon’s research advances evidence-based economic policymaking by integrating quantitative modeling with real-world development challenges. His work strengthens financial stability, promotes inclusive access to credit, and supports sustainable growth across developing economies through data-driven insights and policy innovation.

Zhenling Jiang | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhenling Jiang | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor of Marketing at University of Pennsylvania, United States

Zhenling Jiang is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with an outstanding track record in marketing research, particularly in structural modeling, consumer behavior, and machine learning applications. She has published extensively in top-tier journals such as Marketing Science and Journal of Marketing Research, earning prestigious awards like the Dorinda and Mark Winkelman Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award and the V. “Seenu” Srinivasan Young Scholar Award. His contributions extend beyond research, as she is an influential mentor and an award-winning educator at Wharton. Jiang is also actively engaged in academic and industry collaborations, frequently presenting at top institutions and conferences. While his work is impactful, expanding interdisciplinary collaborations and increasing applied industry innovations could further elevate his influence. Overall, his prolific research, academic leadership, and industry engagement make him a strong candidate for this award, solidifying his reputation as a leading scholar in quantitative marketing.

Professional Profile 

Education

Zhenling Jiang has an exceptional academic background, reflecting his deep expertise in marketing research and quantitative analysis. She earned his Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where she specialized in structural modeling and consumer behavior. Prior to that, she completed his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in a relevant field, building a strong foundation in quantitative methods and data-driven marketing strategies. His rigorous academic training equipped him with advanced skills in machine learning, econometrics, and applied statistics, which she seamlessly integrates into his research. Throughout his education, Jiang demonstrated academic excellence, receiving multiple accolades and scholarships. His research at Wharton significantly contributed to the field, leading to high-impact publications in top-tier journals. His education not only shaped his research expertise but also positioned him as an influential scholar and educator, preparing him to mentor the next generation of marketing researchers and industry leaders.

Professional Experience

Zhenling Jiang has an impressive professional background in marketing research, data analytics, and academia. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Marketing at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School, where she focuses on structural modeling, machine learning applications, and consumer decision-making. Before joining CUHK, she gained valuable experience as a researcher and lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, contributing to pioneering studies in quantitative marketing. His work has been instrumental in advancing consumer analytics, particularly in understanding complex market behaviors through econometrics and artificial intelligence. Beyond academia, she has collaborated with various industry leaders, applying his expertise in data-driven marketing strategies and business intelligence. Jiang’s professional journey showcases his ability to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world applications, making significant contributions to both scholarly literature and business practices. His dedication to research, teaching, and industry collaboration positions him as a leading expert in his field.

Research Interest

Zhenling Jiang’s research interests lie at the intersection of quantitative marketing, consumer analytics, and machine learning applications. His work focuses on developing structural models to understand consumer decision-making, market dynamics, and firm strategies. She is particularly interested in how digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and big data influence consumer behavior and marketing effectiveness. His research explores pricing strategies, advertising effectiveness, and the impact of personalized marketing, utilizing econometric techniques and deep learning models to extract insights from complex datasets. Additionally, she investigates online platforms, e-commerce trends, and behavioral economics, providing valuable implications for businesses seeking data-driven strategies. Jiang’s work is highly interdisciplinary, combining principles from economics, psychology, and data science to address modern marketing challenges. Through his contributions, she aims to enhance marketing efficiency, optimize customer engagement, and drive business innovation, making him a prominent figure in the field of quantitative marketing research and consumer analytics.

Award and Honor

Zhenling Jiang has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to quantitative marketing and consumer analytics. His research excellence has been acknowledged through prestigious accolades, including Best Paper Awards at leading marketing and data science conferences. She has also been honored with competitive research grants that support his innovative work on consumer behavior and market dynamics. Jiang has been recognized as an Outstanding Reviewer by top-tier marketing journals, highlighting his commitment to academic excellence and knowledge dissemination. Additionally, she has received teaching excellence awards for his impactful mentorship and contributions to student learning. His scholarly achievements have earned him invitations to serve as a keynote speaker and panelist at major industry and academic events. Jiang’s accolades reflect his dedication to advancing marketing science, bridging academia and industry, and making significant contributions to data-driven marketing strategies and consumer research.

Research Skill

Zhenling Jiang possesses exceptional research skills in quantitative marketing, consumer analytics, and data-driven decision-making. She is highly proficient in econometric modeling, machine learning, and statistical analysis, allowing him to extract meaningful insights from complex consumer data. Jiang has expertise in big data analytics, experimental design, and causal inference, which she applies to investigate consumer behavior and market dynamics. His strong command of computational techniques, predictive modeling, and natural language processing enables him to analyze large-scale datasets and uncover actionable marketing strategies. Additionally, she is adept at survey design, A/B testing, and field experiments, ensuring robust empirical validation of his research findings. His interdisciplinary approach integrates marketing, economics, and data science, making his work highly impactful in both academia and industry. Jiang’s research skills are further demonstrated through his ability to collaborate across disciplines, publish in top-tier journals, and present findings at leading academic and industry conferences.

Conclusion

Zhenling Jiang is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his prolific research output, significant contributions to marketing science, and strong academic recognition. His work is not only theoretically robust but also practically relevant in areas like consumer finance and machine learning. Strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations and increasing global research partnerships could further enhance his profile.

Publications Top Noted

  • Consumer search and purchase: An empirical investigation of retargeting based on consumer online behaviors
    Authors: Z Jiang, T Chan, H Che, Y Wang
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 52

  • Can non-tiered customer loyalty programs be profitable?
    Authors: A Gopalakrishnan, Z Jiang, Y Nevskaya, R Thomadsen
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 35

  • An empirical bargaining model with left-digit bias: A study on auto loan monthly payments
    Authors: Z Jiang
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 23

  • Estimating parameters of structural models using neural networks
    Authors: Y Wei, Z Jiang
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 21

  • The Value of Verified Employment Data for Consumer Lending: Evidence from Equifax
    Authors: T Chan, N Hamdi, X Hui, Z Jiang
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 19

  • TV advertising effectiveness with racial minority representation: Evidence from the mortgage market
    Authors: D Kim, Z Jiang, R Thomadsen
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 11

  • How do bonus payments affect the demand for auto loans and their delinquency?
    Authors: Z Jiang, DJ Zhang, T Chan
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 11

  • Designing dealer compensation in the auto-loan market: Implications from a policy change
    Authors: Z Jiang, YM Wei, T Chan, N Hamdi
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 5

  • Machine learning and prediction errors in causal inference
    Authors: G Allon, D Chen, Z Jiang, D Zhang
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 5

  • Online shopping with endogenous PC and mobile channel choice
    Authors: S Zhang, Z Jiang, H Che
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 5

  • Estimating treatment effects under recommender interference: A structured neural networks approach
    Authors: R Zhan, S Han, Y Hu, Z Jiang
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 4

  • Referral contagion: Downstream benefits of customer referrals
    Authors: R Gershon, Z Jiang
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 3

Bakyt Syzdykbayeva | Economics, Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Bakyt Syzdykbayeva | Economics, Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

профессор at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan

Prof. Dr. Bakyt Syzdykbayeva is a distinguished researcher and professor in the Department of Tourism at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Holding a Doctorate in Economic Sciences, she has made significant contributions to logistics, tourism, and economic development. She has led multiple government-funded research projects on sustainable supply chains, national distribution networks, and economic growth in Kazakhstan. With over 47 Scopus-indexed publications, numerous monographs, and textbooks, her research has had a broad academic and practical impact. As a member of dissertation councils and expert committees, she has played a key role in shaping academic policies and mentoring PhD students. Recognized as the “Best University Lecturer” in 2016, she has developed specialized courses in strategic marketing, logistics, and tourism management. Her work on the Silk Road Economic Belt and Kazakhstan’s logistics infrastructure has gained international recognition, positioning her as a leading scholar in her field.

Professional Profile 

Education

Prof. Dr. Bakyt Syzdykbayeva pursued her higher education in mechanical engineering, specializing in Machines and Apparatus of Light Industry at the Moscow Technological Institute (now the Russian State University of Tourism and Service). She later expanded her academic expertise in economics and management, focusing on service industries such as tourism, transport, and logistics. She earned her Doctor of Economic Sciences degree, solidifying her position as a leading researcher in logistics, economic development, and tourism management. Her education laid a strong foundation for her interdisciplinary research, integrating engineering principles with economic and business strategies. Over the years, she has combined her technical background with extensive research in service industries, shaping Kazakhstan’s academic and professional landscape. Her contributions extend beyond research, as she has developed and taught specialized courses in strategic marketing, logistics, and economic modeling, further strengthening her impact in academia and industry.

Professional Experience

Prof. Dr. Bakyt Syzdykbayeva has an extensive professional background in academia and research, specializing in tourism, logistics, and economic development. She has been a Professor at the Department of Tourism at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University since 2015, previously serving as the Head of the Department from 2012 to 2015. She has also been a member and chair of dissertation councils, contributing to the advancement of academic research in tourism. Prior to her tenure at ENU, she held academic positions at M. Auezov South Kazakhstan State University and M.Kh. Dulaty Taraz State University. She has served as an expert for the Ministry of Education and Science of Kazakhstan, evaluating textbooks and educational materials. Additionally, she has successfully supervised multiple PhD candidates. With decades of experience in teaching and research, Prof. Syzdykbayeva has played a crucial role in shaping tourism and logistics education in Kazakhstan.

Research Interest

Prof. Dr. Bakyt Syzdykbayeva’s research interests lie at the intersection of economics, logistics, and tourism, with a strong focus on service industry management. Her work explores the development of sustainable supply chains, logistics infrastructure, and transport systems to enhance economic growth and competitiveness, particularly in Kazakhstan. She has conducted extensive research on optimizing goods distribution networks, urban logistics, and the impact of international trade on economic efficiency. A significant part of her studies also examines the role of tourism in regional development, emphasizing strategic marketing, hospitality management, and quality assurance in the service sector. Her research contributions extend to analyzing the Silk Road Economic Belt’s economic potential and its implications for Kazakhstan’s transport and logistics sectors. Through her numerous government-funded projects and Scopus-indexed publications, she has played a crucial role in shaping policies and strategies for sustainable economic and tourism development in Central Asia.

Award and Honor

Prof. Dr. Bakyt Syzdykbayeva has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of her outstanding contributions to academia and research. She was honored with the prestigious Gold Medal at the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy (VDNH) of the USSR in 1982, highlighting her early excellence in research. In 2016, she was recognized as the “Best University Lecturer,” a testament to her dedication to teaching and mentoring students. Her influence extends beyond the classroom, as she has been an expert council member for business and management under Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Education and Science, contributing to academic quality assurance. Additionally, she has served as the chair and member of various dissertation councils, playing a vital role in shaping research in tourism, logistics, and economic development. Through her leadership, publications, and academic service, she has gained national and international recognition as a pioneering researcher in her field.

Research Skill

Prof. Dr. Bakyt Syzdykbayeva possesses exceptional research skills, demonstrated through her extensive contributions to economics, logistics, and tourism management. She excels in economic modeling, strategic analysis, and data-driven decision-making, enabling her to develop innovative solutions for logistics infrastructure, supply chain optimization, and sustainable tourism. Her expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies allows her to conduct in-depth analyses of market trends, economic impacts, and transport efficiency. She has successfully led multiple government-funded research projects, showcasing her ability to manage large-scale studies and collaborate with industry stakeholders. Her proficiency in policy evaluation and regional economic development strategies has significantly influenced Kazakhstan’s logistics and tourism sectors. Additionally, her ability to publish in Scopus-indexed journals highlights her strong academic writing, critical thinking, and peer-reviewed research capabilities. With a focus on interdisciplinary studies, she continues to advance knowledge in service industry management, logistics, and economic development through her rigorous research efforts.

Conclusion

Syzdykbayeva Bakyt Uzakbayevna is highly qualified for the Best Researcher Award, given her substantial academic contributions, leadership in research projects, and impact on logistics and tourism economics. With minor improvements in international collaboration and industry partnerships, she could further solidify her position as a top researcher in her field.

Publications Top Noted

  • Raimbekov, Z.S., Syzdykbayeva, B.U., Rakhmetulina, A., Doltes, L., & Kinasheva, Z.B. (2024). Designing and Improving the Efficiency of Placement of Logistics Infrastructure for Storage, Distribution and Trade of Agri-Food Products. Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management.

  • Raimbekov, Z.S., Syzdykbayeva, B.U., Rakhmetulina, A., Rakhmetulina, Z.B., & Kinasheva, Z.B. (2024). Assessment of The Impact of International Trade Intensity on Logistics Efficiency: A Case Study of The EAEU Countries. Journal of Logistics, Informatics and Service Science.