Alan R. Dennis Doctoral Award
The Alan R. Dennis Doctoral Award Established in June 2017 by Alan R. Dennis, MBA'84, and awarded on the basis of academic excellence to funding eligible PhD-level students enrolled Smith School of Business' doctoral program in the areas of Management Information Systems or Operations. Preference will be given to use funding for travel costs to conferences. The applicant must be nominated by a faculty member in the Management Information Systems or Operations area.
Latest Recipient
Tiancong Fu
Where is your hometown?
I am from Guangzhou, a city in southern China. My family and I are newcomers to Canada, and we began our new journey in 2020 when we arrived in Vancouver. In 2022, I received an offer from Smith, which brought us to Kingston, Ontario.
Why did you choose Smith School of Business/Queen’s?
Before immigrating to Canada, I worked as a lecturer in the School of Economics at a university in China. After moving to Canada, I wanted to continue pursuing my academic dreams, so I conducted extensive research to find the best and most suitable PhD program in Canada. I chose Smith because of its academic rigor and its emphasis on a supportive, human-centered approach to education. Smith’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive academic environment aligns with my values and goals. Additionally, the program’s strong reputation for research excellence and its focus on real-world impact make it an ideal place for me to advance my academic career.
What has been your favourite experience at Queen’s so far?
When I first enrolled in the Smith PhD program, I was pregnant, and balancing the demands of being a new mom with the challenges of starting a new academic term was not easy. However, I was deeply touched by the overwhelming support I received from the faculty, administration, and my peers. Their encouragement and understanding helped me navigate this challenging yet rewarding phase of my life, allowing me to balance motherhood with my academic pursuits. The mentorship I received and the collaborative spirit of the Smith community truly exemplify the program’s values of empathy, inclusivity, and excellence.
What are your aspirations after graduation?
I aim to find a faculty position in North America, specializing in MIS research and teaching. I plan to continue focusing on my research domain, cybersecurity, contributing to the field through innovative studies and practical applications.
What is one interesting fact about you?
My dog Lucky, adopted in the U.S., has been my loyal companion across three countries — she's now thriving in Kingston!
Research Overview
AI in Cybersecurity
Tiancong’s doctoral research focuses on the dual role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity, particularly its use in phishing attacks and countermeasures. By applying a human-centered information systems (IS) perspective, the research investigates how AI enhances phishing tactics while also providing innovative detection tools. A key aspect is the development of an AI-based phishing susceptibility framework that examines how AI-generated deceptive content affects users' ability to identify threats. Additionally, the research explores how AI influences trust, decision-making, and autonomy in cybersecurity. With strong theoretical and practical implications, the findings aim to inform public policy, organizational security strategies, and user education. Tiancong has presented work at leading IS conferences, including AMCIS 2023 and ICIS 2024, with plans to contribute further at HICSS 2025, leveraging these opportunities for collaboration and continued academic growth.