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Ying Zeng, Michael Gropper, Xiaobo Yu and Rodrigo Dias joined Leeds’ faculty this fall, bringing fresh ideas, diverse expertise and a shared passion for shaping future business leaders. Leeds asked them to share their reflections about their journey so far.

From left to right, Ying Zeng, Michael Gropper, Xiaobo Yu and Rodrigo Dias.

What has been the most rewarding or surprising aspect of teaching at Leeds so far?

Leeds students are truly motivated 
Ying Zeng, assistant professor of marketing, has been impressed with the way students dedicate time to their courses, even if they are also working and fulfilling extracurricular duties. “They are active, persistent, careful and professional—important qualities to grow as future business leaders.”

Michael Gropper, visiting assistant professor of finance, agrees. “One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching at Leeds has been the students’ engagement and curiosity regarding the connections between classroom content and what goes on in the financial industry.”

Teaching and learning
Xiaobo Yu, assistant professor of finance, has appreciated the challenge of figuring out what students already know and what they don't—“what we economists call ‘higher-order beliefs,’” he said. It gave him the opportunity to break down concepts into “unambiguous steps,” reconsider assumptions and make things simpler. “Realizing this indeed improved my understanding of the basic principles of corporate finance."

Exploring rapid market changes
“Marketing has been evolving rapidly as a discipline, reflecting various technological changes in the marketplace, such as the rise of AI, the increasing importance of social media and the focus on data-driven decision-making,” said Rodrigo Dias, assistant professor of marketing. He’s excited to teach Principles of Marketing this spring and looks forward to the enriching experience that students from diverse disciplines and intellectual backgrounds will provide as they reflect on these changes.

How will you continue to build relationships with students, faculty and the broader Leeds community for the spring semester?

Research collaboration
After a rewarding semester with undergraduate students, Zeng looks forward to spending more time with graduate students on research collaborations. She’s also excited to have more time to connect with faculty and the wider Leeds community to “reciprocate the kindness and help I have received from this big family during my first semester as a faculty member."

Gropper looks forward to continued collaborations with Leeds community members as part of the Center for Research on Consumer Financial Decision Making. “The work done to understand how households make their financial decisions is important and can have wide-ranging policy implications.”

Talking more with students
With the experience gained from his first semester, Yu is excited to earmark more time before class to get to know students better. “I believe that will be a way to encourage more student participation in the class as well.”

Fulfilling goals
Having spent the fall semester focusing on research, Dias is excited to teach his first class this spring, learning about students’ career goals and exploring how Leeds can help them achieve those goals. He’s also eager to collaborate on research with Leeds’ “extremely talented PhD students” and mentor them through their academic journeys.

What’s your go-to spot to unwind after a busy day at Leeds?

Pensive on Pearl
Yu has found his sanctuary at the Boulder Bookstore on Pearl and the gym in his apartment (depending on whether he is physically or mentally exhausted!). Meanwhile, Dias enjoys strolling along Pearl Street Mall, “observing the charming atmosphere with the view of the mountains in the background.”

Staying active
After teaching her classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, you’ll find Zeng attending adult swim classes at The Rec. You'll also find Gropper walking with his dog along Boulder's wonderful trails. Dry Creek Trail in East Boulder is one of his dog's favorites.

Do you have any goals or resolutions for the new year?

Moving mountains
From plans to exercise each month (Zeng) to getting a driver’s license (Yu), and delving into research projects (Dias), one unanimous goal is to keep exploring Colorado’s majestic mountains and outdoors. 

Gropper wants to learn how to cross-country ski; the others are eager to hit the slopes!