In August, Xiaoru Gao joined the Department of Marketing as an assistant professor. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Anhui University of Finance and Economics in Anhui, China, her master’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, and her Ph.D. from Rutgers Business School in Newark, New Jersey. Her recent dissertation topic and working paper was “Using Instagram to Engage with Consumers: A Study of Fashion Brands.”
Learn more about Xiaoru through the following interview, conducted by the College of Business Marketing and Communications team:
Q: Where did you grow up and what kinds of things were you interested in? What did you want to be when you were little?
A: I grew up in China, and I was interested in drawing when I was a child. I dreamed of being an architect when I was young.
Q: What are you looking most forward to in your new role?
A: I am excited about the role change from being a student to being a teacher.
Q: Will you do any research in your role?
A: Yes, I will continue my research in social media marketing and digital marketing and try to publish in top journals.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?
A: I like archery, and I have been learning the drums and skating recently.
Q: What’s your favorite vacation spot that you’ve visited?
A: I went to Arcadia National Park in Maine this summer, and it’s gorgeous.
Q: What is one thing your College of Business colleagues could help you with, support you with, or answer for you?
A: They already helped me a lot with the questions I have in teaching, such as the class design and how to engage students. I believe that they will continuously help in my daily work.
Q: In your opinion, what sets a Huskie apart from the rest?
A: I might be unfamiliar with staff and faculties in other departments, but my colleagues in the Department of Marketing are super-friendly. They answered all my questions and concerns quickly and care about my experience in my new role.
