Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Finance
Bachelor of Commerce with Honours in Economics and Finance
Master of Commerce in Finance
Lecturer of Accounting, Lancaster University, UK
Beginning his career as a lecturer with Lancaster University, Gerald has thoroughly enjoyed teaching accounting to his undergrad and graduate students, and taking part in research articles for leading journal outlets.
"The economy clearly plays an important role in our lives. Through my research, I hope to make the economy a little more efficient and fair. In teaching, I enjoy students getting that “a-ha” moment and aim to make their thinking more independent and balanced," he says.
Gerald has previously held graduate roles with UC and at University of Maryland, College Park, where he completed his PhD in Accounting.
Since he was younger, Gerald has held a passion for numbers and the stock markets, which carried him into BCom studies at UC. Throughout his study journey, Gerald built on his interests in Economics and Finance, as well as his leadership potential through the UC Emerging Leaders Development Scholarship programme.
"I was lucky enough to work with some fantastic professors, such as Glenn Boyle, who introduced me to academic research. I also had some great years in Bishop Julius Hall of Residence as a student and later on as a RA. Another great plus about living in Christchurch is the Port Hills which I managed to explore at least once per week."
"I was also Treasurer of the inaugural University of Canterbury Economics and Finance Society (EFSoC). We achieved a membership of 150 students and organised debates and other activities."
Gerald’s success throughout studies at UC also lead to university and master’s scholarships, and gave him the drive to apply to business schools in the USA for his PhD.
"I have been fortunate of the education opportunities available to me," he says. "After getting an excellent overview of economics and finance at UC, I was lucky enough to be admitted to the business PhD programme at the University of Maryland. Although challenging at times, the University of Maryland has provided me an excellent base to start my career as a scholar."
He highly recommends other students wanting an academic career to apply for a number of top business schools in the world where possible, gain research experience, and to build on their mathematics studies in particular during their undergraduate years.
Looking forward, Gerald is excited by the possibilities of being a scholar in the economics world.
"I’d like my career to consist of actions that are consistent with my values. Therefore, I’d like my research to take risks, be creative, and help others. And finally, I’d like to help build a vibrant and growth-oriented community at the university I am working at."
