Pian Shu, Ph.D.

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EDUCATION

        

Ph.D. in Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 
(2007-2012) Thesis Title: “Essays on Innovation, Productivity, and Talent Allocation”

B.A. (Valedictorian) in Mathematics and Mathematical Economics, Colgate University,
(2003-2007) High Honors in both majors; Summa Cum Laude   

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ACADEMIC POSITIONS            
         

Visiting Assistant Professor in the Strategy and Innovation Department, Questrom School of Business, Boston University, 2021-2022 

Assistant Professor of Strategy and Innovation, Scheller College of Business, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2017-2021

Visiting Scholar in the Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management Unit, Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2016-2017

Assistant Professor of Business Administration, Technology and Operations Management Unit, Harvard Business School, 2012-2017
 

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TEACHING EXPERIENCE        


“Competition, Innovation, and Strategy,” professional evening MBA core curriculum at Questrom School of Business, Boston University, 2021-2022

• This course aimed to foster a comprehensive understanding of the factors involved in strategic decision-making and equip students with the tools necessary to develop strategies that drive superior long-term economic performance in companies.

“Foundations of Strategy,” undergraduate core curriculum at Scheller College of Business, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2017-2019

• This course was designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of business strategy and prepare them for the often ambiguous nature of business decision-making. My teaching method emphasized experiential learning, minimizing traditional lectures in favor of open discussions. Students engaged with diverse materials, including case studies, news articles, podcasts, and videos, and were encouraged to form and articulate their own viewpoints on applying strategic thinking. Assignments and team projects reinforced learning, enhancing skills in problem-solving, fieldwork, teamwork, and presenting.

 “Field Immersion Experiences for Leadership Development II,” first-year MBA required curriculum at Harvard Business School, 2014-2016

• In FIELD II, students worked in small teams to apply human-centered design to solve customer challenges for partnering firms and organizations in developing economies. As the faculty lead, I took two cohorts of students to Chengdu, China, to collaborate with over 20 local partners. In addition to my teaching and project oversight duties, I contributed to sourcing local partners and speakers, managed a team of 4-5 staff members on-site, and provided assistance to students in preparing for and adapting to the local environment.

        
“Technology and Operations Management,”  first-year MBA required curriculum at Harvard Business School, 2012-2015

• In RC TOM, students acquired skills and concepts essential for ensuring a firm's operations fulfill its customer promise and contribute to its competitive position. The course, taught using the case method, covered topics such as process analysis, cross-functional and cross-firm integration, product development, information technology, and technology and operations strategy.

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ACADEMIC WRITING BY TOPIC


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FELLOWSHIPS AND HONORS            


NBER Entrepreneurship Research Grant (2015)
Berol Corporation Fellowship, Harvard Business School (2013)
NBER Innovation Policy Research Grant (2013)
Ewing Marion Kauffman Dissertation Fellowship (2011)
George and Obie Shultz Fund Grants, MIT (2010)
Castle Krob Graduate Fellowship, MIT (2007 - 2009)
Marshall-Keynes Award for Excellence in Economics, Colgate University (2007)
Osborne Prize in Mathematics, Colgate University (2007)
Class of 1997 Award, Colgate University (2007)
Phi Beta Kappa (elected as a junior) (2006)

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