Dr.  Xiaolin Sun's doctoral research has made significant contributions to the dynamic field of econometrics. Econometrics combines economic theory, mathematics, and statistical inference to develop innovative methods for analyzing data, unraveling economic phenomena, and gaining profound insights into the workings of economic activities.

In her studies, Sun explored the mechanisms behind social programs, for instance, investigating the effects of electricity grids on employment and healthcare programs on expenditure. By harnessing a unique property to extract more information from the data, Sun demonstrated the power of econometrics in comprehending intricate systems and informing evidence-based decision-making.

Awarded a Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarship, Sun is also published in top-tier journals. Additionally, she is a gifted teacher who received the Terry Heaps Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, recognizing her ability to teach and support students as well as faculty.

Sun’s supervisor, Dr. Bertille Antoine, believes Sun is on the path to success as a researcher. Says Antoine, “Through her hard work, dedication, and determination, Xiaolin has now emerged as a talented young scholar with several promising research papers in theoretical and applied econometrics.”

The receipt of this medal holds profound meaning for Sun as it represents the recognition of years of dedicated effort, late nights, and countless hours of research and analysis.

Says Sun, “Beyond its personal significance, this medal also represents validation from esteemed individuals in the academic community who have evaluated the quality and impact of my PhD work. It is an honor to receive such recognition from experts.

“Moreover, this medal serves as a source of immense joy and satisfaction. It is a tangible reminder of the progress I have made, the skills I have developed, and the knowledge I have gained. It instills in me a sense of pride, not only in my own accomplishments but also in the supportive network of advisors, mentors, and peers who have guided and inspired me along the way.

“I would like to express my enormous gratitude for my supervisor. Prof. Bertille Antoine. Her unwavering commitment to my growth as a researcher has been truly remarkable. The guidance and expertise of my supervisor were invaluable in working on my research subject and refining my questions. Her insights and feedback helped me strike a balance between my passion for the topic and the scholarly rigor necessary for conducting rigorous research.

“My committee members: Dr. Dongwoo Kim, Prof Krishna Pendakur, and Dr. Xiaoting Sun provided expertise and critical insights have significantly strengthened the quality of my work. I am very grateful for the comments and help from Chris Bidner, Irene Botosaru, Minjie Deng, Brian Krauth, Chris Muris, Kevin Schnepel, Hitoshi Shigeoka, Simon Woodcock, and all of the professors I took my courses with.”

Sun is a research fellow at one of the top departments in Econometrics, in Australia – Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics, Monash University – where she continues her research on the effects of social programs to advance our understanding of important social issues.