image of Yiran Xu
Yiran Xu
PhD Business & Management (2019 - 2025)

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you studied

My doctoral study was dedicated to understanding the ethicality of AI, particularly on the (in)voluntary constitution of ethical values in AI and the intricate ethical consequences associated with it.

What has been the best thing about your PhD programme?

WBS provides fantastic opportunities for PhD students to teach. I facilitated the teaching of ‘AI in Business’ (UG) and ‘Managing Digital Innovation’ (PGT) modules by leading seminars. Gratefully, I was further entrusted by my amazing mentor and friend, Dr Bozhena Kelestyn, with designing and leading solo lectures and seminars on AI ethics for modules such as ‘Design Thinking’ (UG-2022&’23) and ‘Managing Digital Innovation’ (PGT-2022&’23).

My teaching was validated by several awards for my contributions to student learning experience and to our academic community. I was the winner of the 2024 Warwick Award for Teaching Excellence: Postgraduates Who Teach (Social Sciences).

The opportunities and encouragement from Warwick to not only teach but thrive at teaching have shaped me into a passionate educator.

What has inspired you most throughout your research studies?

I love attending talks, speeches, seminars, PDWs, and, most of all, conferences. I enjoy the intellectual stimulation when I am in a room packed with curious academic minds. My papers were accepted and presented at a couple of conferences during my PhD – AOM, EGOS, PROS, etc. These experiences of introducing myself to the academic community outside of the protective bubbles of Warwick were truly invaluable for further shaping my identity as a young scholar.

Tell us a bit more about working with your supervisor during your research studies

WBS has world-class scholars who work collegially with doctoral students.

Among all the incredibly helpful faculty, I am most fortunate to have met my supervisors – Professor Joe Nandhakumar and Professor Rene Wiedner. Not only did they guide me through my doctoral journey, but they also exemplified the kind of scholar I aspire to become. They shaped me by supporting and encouraging me to pursue my passion, my perspectives, and my story.  

What advice would you give to students wanting to join the PhD programme at WBS?

Savour the opportunities of working within this amazing community. Make the most of what WBS has to offer. Do not rush or focus only on progress; explore and enjoy this journey. Looking back, sure, there were difficult times; but it’s also the very best of times too.