About Me:
Hi, I’m April Wang. I come from Hebei Province, China. I am a Ph.D. candidate in Economics at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, under the supervision of Professor Bob Reed, and I am on track to graduate at the end of 2025. My academic journey is supported by the UC-CSC joint scholarship, which enables me to dedicate myself full-time to my three-year Ph.D. research. I hold dual master’s degrees in economics from Zhongnan University of Economics and Law (ZUEL) and in Applied Economics and Finance from the University of Canterbury. Passion for academia and independent research has driven me to pursue a Ph.D., with the ultimate goal of becoming a lecturer and a dedicated researcher.
My expertise spans meta-analysis, econometrics, replication studies, and programming languages such as R, RStudio, EViews, and Python. I have also successfully passed the CFA Level II exam and am currently preparing for the CFA Level III.
My research focuses on meta-analysis techniques, specifically exploring how the selection of effect sizes can lead to varying conclusions in meta-analytical studies. I have completed all empirical work for my thesis and am currently focused on writing my dissertation and refining my papers for publication.
Beyond academia, I like play badminton very much and won several championships in B-level badminton tournaments. Besides being an advanced badminton player, I am also the founder and manager of Joy Badminton Club, the largest advanced badminton club in Christchurch, with over 70 registered members and more than 150 casual players. Managing the club has helped me develop strong organizational and social skills, which I apply to both my academic and extracurricular endeavours. What’s more, I am a certified NZ Level 1 Umpire and have umpired several NZ tournaments like “2024 NZ Championship”, “NZ Final Tour” and so on. I am also being assessed by Oceania Line Judges and looking forward to getting involved to be more international badminton tournaments.
In addition to badminton, I enjoy a variety of hobbies, including snowboarding, hiking, working out at the gym, relaxing in the sauna, playing poker games, and watching movies. I am open-minded and always excited to meet new people and make friends from different walks of life.
Research Interests:
meta-analysis; econometrics; replication studies
Education:
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD of Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, October 2022-October 2025 (Expected), University of Canterbury, New Zealand
Master of Investment, September 2018-June 2021, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, China
Master of Applied Economics of Finance, December 2019-April 2021, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
Bachelor of Finance, September 2014-June 2018, Anhui University, China
Supervisors:
Senior Supervisor: Bob Reed
Co-Supervisor: Tom Coupe
Conference Presentations:
April Wang. The Causal Effect of DACA on Employment. 2023 NZAE (New Zealand Association of Economists) Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.
