Hi there, I'm

Zachary

Hi there

Hi! I'm Zachary Xie, a master's student in Data Science and Social Policy at the University of Pennsylvania, with a background in Quantitative Economics and Finance from Xi'an Jiaotong University.

My experience spans data analysis, finance, and academic roles as a research and teaching assistant at Penn. I'm passionate about uncovering insights from data and exploring the intersection of technology and policy.

I've always believed in one thing: Try everything that excites you—life is about experiencing it fully. Right now, I'm interested in AI, crypto, and other emerging technologies.

I'm currently exploring opportunities in data science, policy analysis, and emerging technologies. Feel free to explore the interactive terminal below or reach out to connect!

Education

University of Pennsylvania, Social Policy and Practice

Master of Data Analysis and Social Policy (GPA: 4.0/4.0) | Exp. Grad. June 2026

Relevant Courses:
Practical Machine Learning, ESG & Impact Investment, Applied Probability Models in Marketing, Applied Linear Modeling, Practical Programming for Data Science, Democratizing Data, Intertemporal Macroeconomics & Finance, Community Mapping, Cryptocurrencies

Xi'an Jiaotong University, Jinhe Economic Research Center (Honors College)

Bachelor of Quantitative Economics and Finance (GPA: 3.82/4.0) | September 2020 - June 2024

Relevant Courses:
Mathematical Analysis, Linear Algebra and Analytical Geometry, Programming in C, Python Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms, Big Data Mining and Engineering Applications, Applied Statistics, Time Series Analysis, Econometrics, Quantitative Finance, Intermediate Macroeconomics, Accounting, Principles of Finance, Intermediate Microeconomics, Carbon Neutral Economics

City University of Hong Kong (Exchange Program), Business School

January 2023 - May 2023

Relevant Courses:
Financial Market Studies, Industrial Economics, Mergers & Acquisitions, International Monetary Banking

Internship Experience

Lien Centre for Social Innovation, SMU, Research Assistant

June 2025 – August 2025

⚫ Independently engineered a full-stack data infrastructure using Power BI & Qualtrics for the Lien Centre–SGE disability support initiative, automating data extraction and analytics to evaluate social impact. The system is a core decision-making tool for supervising over 100 million in annual investments, significantly enhancing funding precision, accountability, and future allocation strategies in social services.

Wharton, Data & Model Engineer

October 2024 - May 2025

⚫ Collaborated with Clearyst's CEO to design an ESG framework tailored to the sustainability needs of SMEs and startups.

⚫ Developed a core data analysis framework for assessing ESG scores and implemented automated recommendations, now integral to the company's daily operations for tracking and enhancing corporate sustainability.

UPenn, Research Assistant & Teaching Assistant, School of Social Policy and Practice

September 2024 – Present

⚫ Engineered a cross-domain data platform on CoC and homelessness, now published on the UPenn AISP official website, which analyzes changes in homelessness distribution and service needs across U.S. regions since 2007—serving as a powerful tool for need assessment.

⚫ Assisted Professor Dennis in migrating a 280-article academic website by applying web scraping to collect publications and metadata, developing a new platform for publication storage and display.

Haitong Securities Co., Ltd., Intern, Underwriting Department

June 2023 - August 2023

⚫ Contributed to IPO projects by guiding issuers, organizing listing materials, drafting key documents, and supporting prospectus submissions.

⚫ Acquired in-depth knowledge of IPO processes by drafting comfort letters, conducting site visits, and performing detailed accounting checks, including sales cycles, cut-off testing, and transaction verification. Proficient in Python (Pandas, NumPy) for data analysis and skilled in advanced Excel functions, including pivot tables, data visualization, and macros.

King & Wood Mallesons, Intern, Financial Securities Group

July 2022 - August 2022

⚫ Actively contributed to multiple listing guidance projects, gaining expertise in legal analysis, due diligence, background checks, information verification, legal research, and financial analysis.

⚫ Automated routine tasks with programming and Excel, collaborating with the Legal Tech Department on NLP projects. Developed web scraping and legal text analysis tools, significantly reducing lawyers' time spent on mundane reviews.

Guotai Junan Securities, Chongqing Branch. Intern, Securities Market Analysis & Sales Department

June 2022 - July 2022

⚫ Systematically studied the structure of financial markets, familiarized with financial product classifications and basic concepts, mastered fundamental methods of stock analysis and companies analysis, participating in securities market research and product promotion.

⚫ Engaged in product sales training and hands-on financial product sales; served as class leader during the internship training period, achieving top rank among peers and recognized as an outstanding intern (top 1%).

Research Projects

"Medicaid Expansion: A Quantitative Exploration of Welfare Dependency"

December 2024 - February 2025

⚫ Analyzed Medicaid expansion's impact on labor market participation, challenging the welfare dependency hypothesis. Applied IPUMS ACS data with linear regression, logit, and DID models, confirming no significant employment or work-hour reduction while enhancing economic stability and healthcare-labor market synergy.

"Efficiency Analysis of Stock Investment Based on p-index and MCIRS Methods"

October 2023 - June 2024

⚫ Pioneering the utilization of the p-index efficiency analysis method in stock research, conducting a comparative study with traditional beta investment analysis to explore its excellence in trading strategies. The final conclusion supported this viewpoint.

⚫ Skilled in web scraping for data acquisition, developed a Python-based stock trading model to validate P-index effectiveness. Anticipated delivery is slated for Feb. 2025.

"Preferences for New Energy Vehicles and the Introduction of Personal Carbon Trading"

August 2022 - September 2022

⚫ Designed and conducted a choice experiment in Shanghai, using econometric models to investigate consumer preferences for new energy vehicles and the effectiveness of Personal Carbon Trading (PCT) policies in incentivizing purchases.

⚫ Found that the current stage of personal carbon trading has a negligible incentive effect and is less effective than car purchase subsidies. The paper was highly acclaimed by the review committee, achieving full marks and ranking first in the class.

Competition Experience

Interdisciplinary Contest In Modeling (ICM) H Prize | March 2022 - May 2022

⚫ Delivered a mathematical model and solution to a policy design challenge within four days, producing actionable evaluation and improvement insights. Oversaw data collection, modeling, bilingual (English & Chinese) reporting, and visualization. Awarded the H Prize, ranking in the top 20% globally.

Skills & Achievements

Technical Skills

Professional Certifications

Awards & Recognition

Personal Achievements

Combining technical expertise in data science and policy analysis with diverse personal interests. Proficient in advanced statistical methods, machine learning, and business intelligence tools. Experienced in financial markets, ESG frameworks, and social policy research.

Contact

Reach out on LinkedIn

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