Employee turnover, workforce planning, and performance management are among the areas Dr. Liu explores in her research as a specialist in talent management and human resource analytics.
“With talent shortages in many industries, my research explores how to attract, develop, and retain talent in business—specifically, employee engagement and leadership development,” says Assistant Professor Liu, who joined the faculty at St. Thomas Aquinas College in 2022. “My research also employs predictive analytics using data to identify future trends.” In a global economy and ever-changing business landscape, Dr. Liu’s research can be used to forecast staffing needs and optimize workforce management.
Dr. Liu earned a PhD in workforce development and training at Southern Illinois University, and a master’s in education, with a concentration in pedagogy and instructional design, from Pepperdine University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Science and Technology in Beijing, where she was born and raised. Her research has been featured in professional conferences, such as the Academy of Human Resource Development, and academic journals, including the Journal of Continuing Higher Education.
At STAC, Dr. Liu has taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate-level courses, including Management & Organization, Human Resource Management, HR Compensation & Benefits, International Management, Labor Relations & Negotiations, Training & Development, Managing Workforce Diversity, Organizational Behavior, and Global Management.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her career, Dr. Liu says, is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on her students’ lives. “By teaching and conducting research in human resources and management, I can equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to succeed in their future careers and make a positive impact on their organizations and society as a whole,” she explains. “Observing students as they cultivate an interest in human resource management and entrepreneurship brings me immense joy. I aspire that my classes will ignite their passion and equip them with the essential skills to transform their ideas into reality.”
As part of the faculty of STAC’s School of Business, Dr. Liu says she values the collaborative culture, the opportunity to develop new classes in management, and the resources and support provided by the School, including cutting-edge technology and professional development opportunities. “These resources allow me to provide a high-quality educational experience for my students and to continue to grow and develop as an educator and scholar,” she says.
About today’s students, Dr. Liu believes that a combination of academic and soft skills is essential for success. “On the academic front, they need to have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in teams. Soft skills are equally important such as global awareness. In today’s interconnected world, they need to have an understanding of different cultures and perspectives and be able to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.”
During her school years in Beijing, Dr. Liu was a middle-distance runner in track and field. State-side, she’s lived in Illinois and California where she discovered Malibu, a gem of a destination that she enjoys visiting because of its “stunning beaches, clear blue ocean, and rugged mountain landscapes.” Now an east coast resident, Dr. Liu loves exploring New York City and searching for the perfect cup of coffee.