Jiayuan Tian is being recognized for the successful completion of his doctoral dissertation and for research drawn from that work that is now contributing to the broader field of finance while enriching student learning at Dickinson State University.
An assistant professor of finance in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Tian recently published one of the papers from his doctoral dissertation in the International Journal of Financial Studies. His research examines the relationship between liquidity, tracking error and risk-adjusted performance in Japanese exchange-traded funds, challenging traditional investment frameworks that often overlook liquidity during periods of market stress.
“When sudden and severe market shocks occur, investors may be unable to liquidate their assets in a timely manner,” Tian said. “A well-designed liquidity structure allows investors to exit the market promptly during disruptions, helping reduce losses while supporting long-term performance.”
Tian said the university’s close-knit culture and emphasis on student-centered learning align closely with his teaching philosophy.
“What I enjoy most about teaching at DSU is working closely with students in a supportive environment where learning is personal and meaningful,” he said. “Classes are small enough that I can truly engage with students, understand their goals and help them connect financial theory to real-world decision-making.”
That research perspective carries directly into the classroom. Tian incorporates real data, current market issues and analytical tools to help students understand how financial models function in practice and why those models sometimes fall short in real-world applications.
“Dr. Tian’s research brings real-world relevance into the classroom,” said Stephanie Osborne, interim assistant dean of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship. “Faculty who remain actively engaged in research help students bridge theory and practice. Dr. Tian’s commitment to excellence in scholarship prepares our students to think critically and thrive in today’s financial landscape.”
His work has also been recognized at the school level for its scholarly impact and academic rigor.
“Dr. Tian’s recent publication is a strong reflection of the high-quality scholarship taking place within the School of Business and Entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Ayodeji Arogundade, dean of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship. “His research contributes meaningful insights to the field of finance while enhancing the academic experience for our students. We are proud of Dr. Tian’s accomplishments and the expertise he brings to Dickinson State University.”
Looking ahead, Tian plans to continue expanding his research agenda while mentoring students and developing coursework that emphasizes data-driven analysis, critical thinking and practical application.
“My goal is to produce scholarship that is academically rigorous and relevant,” Tian said, “while helping students build the skills and confidence they need to succeed beyond DSU.”