Inspired by his experience as a graduate student at Cornell, Meng Zhou, M.S. ’92, Ph.D. ’96, has established the Andrew Novakovic and Meng Zhou Ph.D. Scholars Fund to support doctoral students in applied economics and management (AEM).

The fund is named to celebrate the relationship between Zhou and his doctoral advisor, E.V. Baker Professor of Agricultural Economics Emeritus Andrew Novakovic. Zhou earned a competitive Winrock International Fellowship to sponsor his master’s degree at Cornell. After advancing to the doctorate program, the inadequate training in Western economics – a result of his academic upbringing in China – posed significant challenges that nearly pushed funding support beyond reach.

Despite what appeared to be insurmountable disciplinary and language barriers, Zhou passed his qualifying exam in due time. Seeing the great promise in this ambitious and hardworking young scholar, Novakovic nurtured his potential and identified funding support that fueled Zhou’s commitment to the finish line. Within a short four years, Zhou completed his Ph.D., against the typical timeline of five to six years. During his most difficult time at Cornell, the way in which Novakovic showed up for Zhou was crucial to how he felt seen, trusted and invested in. Zhou is still immensely grateful for Novakovic’s encouragement, guidance and the sense of community he had facilitated among his advisees.

Read more on the Graduate School website.