06/15/2026
Meet Wendi Wu. Wendi is earning her PhD in finance, continuing a journey that has taken her from studying finance as an undergraduate in Shanghai to earning her master's degree at Case Western Reserve University and pursuing her doctorate at the University of Oregon.
At UO, Wendi found mentorship that has made her a stronger researcher, teacher, and future faculty member. She is especially grateful for her advisor, Maria Chaderina, whose guidance helped her discover her own research interests, grow more confident as a presenter, and navigate the academic job market.
Wendi's dissertation, "Clearing the Murky Waters: How the First Analyst Recommendation Affects Retail Trading Costs," explores how credible financial information can improve the trading environment for everyday investors. She also challenged herself to communicate complex ideas beyond her own field by participating in the Three Minute Thesis competition.
"There will be challenging moments during your PhD journey, but that is completely normal," she shared. She encourages students to keep going and reminds them not to go through it alone. "I also highly recommend coming to the office and talking with your colleagues regularly," she added. Those everyday conversations, Wendi said, can offer encouragement, inspiration, and even new research ideas.
Like so many students, most of Wendi's favorite memories happened outside of formal settings. She will always remember chatting with friends in the office, finding her desk space filled with surprise birthday balloons, seeing "Back to the Future: The Musical" with her best friend, and spending weekends hiking, paddleboarding, watching movies, and exploring Eugene.
"My friends made Oregon feel like a second home," she shared.
After graduation, Wendi will join the University of Northern Iowa as a tenure-track assistant professor of finance, where she hopes to be the same positive influence to others that her advisor and friends were for her.
Congratulations, Wendi! And remember, once a Duck, always a Duck. 💚💛🦆