Business Matters

By the time information posted on the internet is fact-checked, the damage is already done.

What if there were a way to speed up the truth?

Associate Professor of Business Analytics Xiaohui Chang studies the factors that affect how information is spread and how machine learning and big data might help to solve this and other important problems.

“I focus on large-scale problems with larger data sets, that can be analyzed,” Chang explained. “That is where my passion lies.”

Chang recently published research findings that she hopes will someday inform the practices of mass media.

“This research can provide practical insights into accelerating the spread of truth in the battle against misinformation online,” Chang said.

Chang’s research is just one reason why she is a recipient of the Toomey Faculty Fellowship in the College of Business, which supports faculty who have demonstrated excellence in research and teaching.

In addition to her research and teaching undergraduate and graduate business analytics courses, Chang advises the Business Analytics Club that has grown since its inception in 2020 to more than 150 members. The club provides additional opportunities to learn practical skills, like coding, that they wouldn’t encounter until upper division classes.

Chang mentors students, giving them projects from real businesses to work on and solve.

“I enjoy teaching and working in academia because I believe in our students,” Chang said. “I still have students from eight years ago messaging me their whereabouts and asking for professional advice. I’m fortunate to empower the next generation with knowledge and experience.”

She makes extra efforts to reach freshmen and transfer students to ensure they are adjusting to college. She even renamed office hours to broaden the appeal for stopping by for any reason.

“We changed it to ‘Ask me anything hours,’” Chang said.

During the pandemic, Chang was invited by Ecampus to share tips on engaging, connecting and showing empathy for online students with other faculty and instructors. She uploads lectures from some of her classes to her YouTube channel for students learning statistics and business analytics around the world.

Chang says she was honored to receive the Toomey Faculty Fellowship during unprecedented and uncertain times.

“I will continue working hard on more useful research projects,” Chang said. “I strive to help the business analytics program grow and to enrich and enhance the academic and professional experience of our students.”

Maria Moran
Executive Director of Advancement
maria.moran@oregonstate.edu