i am yi zhou ...

... a graduate student in Economics at Memorial University of Newfoundland. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from China and have accumulated 11 years of professional experience as a statistical analyst in government, where I specialized in policy evaluation and statistical analysis.

In 2024, I began my Master’s studies at Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, marking a significant new stage in my academic and personal journey. During my graduate research, I examined the wage gap between immigrants and native-born workers under changing immigration policies, using Stata for causal inference and econometric analysis. This research strengthened my interest in the real-world impacts of public policy on labour markets and social equity.

Alongside my studies, I serve as a Research Assistant in both the Department of Economics and the Regional Analytics Lab of the Harris Centre. My work focuses on labour market structures and employment insurance in NL. Through these roles, I have gained valuable experience in applying economic theory to real employment challenges, producing clear and accessible data visualizations, and identifying market trends and structural barriers to support evidence-based policy decisions.

Beyond my academic work, I am also an interpreter at the Association for New Canadians (ANC). In this role, I assist newcomers in overcoming language and cultural barriers, accessing essential community services, and integrating into the local community. This experience has deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by immigrants and strengthened my commitment to social inclusion and equity through practical, community-based work.

My academic and professional experiences have also shaped my growing interest in environmental issues, renewable energy, and the just transition. I am currently preparing applications for PhD programs with a research focus on these areas. My long-term goal is to integrate economic theory with sociological perspectives to better understand and address the complex challenges facing communities and countries worldwide.

With my background in economics, applied statistical analysis, policy research, and cross-cultural communication, I look forward to continuing to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.