Jeff McGill Graduate Fellowship
Established by Kamyar Moud, M.Sc. 2004, in honor of Professor Jeff McGill who has brought significant advancements in knowledge to the field of Management Science, as well as having inspired many students over the years. This scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic excellence to students enrolled in the MSc or PhD program in Management in the following order of priority: i)international MSc students in Management Science, ii) international PhD students in Management Science, iii) international MSc students in other areas of specialization in Smith School of Business. The applicant must be nominated by the Management Science faculty.
Latest Recipient
Yu Gong
Where is your hometown?
Tianjin, China – A major port city in northern China, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and modern development.
Why did you choose Smith School of Business/Queen’s?
I first joined Smith through the MSc program during the pandemic years, a challenging time for international students as we were all confined to our homes. Despite these difficulties, the faculty at Smith, along with my supervisor, provided unwavering support to ensure my studies and research progressed smoothly. Their kindness and dedication made a significant impact on me. Smith not only offered me this opportunity but also stood by me during one of the most difficult times in my academic journey. I felt encouraged, included, and supported—this is why I chose to continue my PhD studies at Smith.
What has been your favourite experience at Queen’s so far?
My favorite experience at Queen’s has been the supportive academic community. From engaging research seminars to mentorship from faculty, I’ve felt encouraged and inspired. The friendships I’ve built with peers, especially during challenging times, have made my journey even more rewarding. Queen’s truly feels like a second home.
What are your aspirations after graduation?
After graduation, I aspire to secure an Assistant Professor position in research at a university in North America. My goal is to contribute to academia through impactful research, mentorship, and collaboration while continuing to explore and advance the field of wildlife Operation Research.
What is one interesting fact about you?
Outside of my research, I am a passionate board game enthusiast. I enjoy exploring different game mechanics, strategy development, and the social interactions that come with playing.
Research Overview
Wildlife Operations Research
Yu’s research focuses on Wildlife Operations Research, developing strategies to manage wildlife efficiently with limited resources. He is involved in two key projects: one with a marine conservation organization and another with disease ecologists. The first project aims to reduce whale mortality caused by vessel collisions by proposing a dynamic Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) framework, which integrates real-time whale presence predictions and models mariners’ decision-making to minimize whale deaths while mitigating economic impacts on the shipping industry. The second project, part of the SOP4CWD initiative, uses mathematical modeling to optimize surveillance and prevention strategies for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in New York State, helping wildlife agencies allocate resources more effectively to maintain a CWD-free status and reduce long-term ecological and economic costs.