Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, China

Author profile

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Ao Kong’s academic journey is a shining example of unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge. He began his higher education at the prestigious Nanjing University in China, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in June 2006. Building on his strong foundational knowledge, he continued at Nanjing University to achieve a Master’s degree in Mathematics in 2008. Kong’s early fascination with mathematical structures and quantitative reasoning propelled him to set his sights abroad for further studies. His pursuit of academic excellence led him to the University of Houston in Texas, United States, where he earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics in December 2013. During his doctoral studies, Kong honed his analytical skills, focusing on the rigorous quantitative methods that would later define his research in finance and data-driven economic modeling.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Ao Kong’s professional career is a tapestry of experience blending both academic and industry insights. His career commenced at KPMG Huazhen in Shanghai, where he worked as an Auditor from September 2008 to May 2010. This initial experience in a top-tier accounting and consulting firm provided him firsthand exposure to real-world financial operations and regulatory environments, sharpening his practical understanding of corporate finance and risk management.

In July 2014, Kong transitioned into academia, joining the School of Finance at Nanjing University of Finance and Economics (NUFE) as an Assistant Professor. Over a decade of dedicated teaching and research culminated in his promotion to Associate Professor in January 2025. Meanwhile, from January 2021 to December 2022, he further broadened his scholarly horizons as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the School of Management and Engineering, Nanjing University. This period of advanced research deepened his engagement with big data analytics and market microstructure studies, bridging mathematical theory with economic applications.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Ao Kong’s research elegantly bridges mathematical theory, market microstructure, big data analytics, and asset pricing. His work addresses critical issues such as liquidity provision, trading behaviors, and the identification of patterns in financial markets. His recent publications reflect the depth and breadth of his contributions.

In particular, his studies explore the nuanced role of market makers in hybrid markets and analyze liquidity provision in the Chinese stock market using game-theoretic frameworks. One notable work, accepted by the Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, investigates how market makers operate in hybrid systems where elements of both order-driven and quote-driven markets coexist. Another influential piece, published in the Journal of Management Science, co-authored with colleagues, uses sophisticated modeling to decode individual investors’ behavior and private information in the context of stock price fluctuations.

His research published in Computational Economics demonstrates his innovative approach by applying mutual information measures to multivariate time series data — a pioneering effort to detect microtrading patterns that precede abrupt price movements. This work reflects not only his mastery of complex mathematical tools but also his commitment to making meaningful contributions to financial market understanding.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

While specific awards or honors are not explicitly listed, Ao Kong’s trajectory itself speaks volumes about his recognition within academic and professional circles. His appointment as an Associate Professor at NUFE and his successful postdoctoral tenure at Nanjing University, both highly respected institutions, are strong indicators of his peers’ esteem. Furthermore, the acceptance of his papers in reputable journals like the Pacific-Basin Finance Journal and Computational Economics is an academic accolade in itself, reflecting the scholarly community’s recognition of the relevance and rigor of his research.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Ao Kong’s work significantly influences the fields of financial econometrics and market microstructure research, especially within the context of Chinese capital markets. His analyses provide regulators, market participants, and fellow researchers with valuable insights into the behavior of liquidity providers and the mechanics behind stock price movements. Through his teaching, he imparts advanced financial modeling techniques and quantitative finance methodologies to the next generation of economists and financial engineers. Courses such as Financial Econometrics, Quantitative Finance, Corporate Finance, and Financial Risk Management are enriched by his real-world insights and research findings, fostering a stronger, more analytically capable cohort of students.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Looking forward, Ao Kong’s legacy appears firmly tied to the continued evolution of financial technologies and big data applications in market analysis. As financial markets become more data-driven and interconnected, the methodologies he champions — such as pattern recognition in trading behavior and quantitative analysis of liquidity dynamics — will become even more critical.

Given his strong background in both theoretical mathematics and practical finance, Kong is poised to be a leading voice in developing next-generation financial market models that incorporate AI, machine learning, and complex systems analysis. His commitment to bridging theory with practice ensures that his future contributions will remain both academically significant and practically impactful, further strengthening his role as a pioneer in the intersection of mathematics, finance, and data science.

Notable publications

Predicting apparent singlet oxygen quantum yields of dissolved black carbon and humic substances using spectroscopic indices

Authors: Z. Du, Y. He, J. Fan, H. Fu, S. Zheng, Z. Xu, X. Qu, A. Kong, D. Zhu
Journal: Chemosphere
Year: 2018

Predicting intraday jumps in stock prices using liquidity measures and technical indicators

Authors: A. Kong, H. Zhu, R. Azencott
Journal: Journal of Forecasting
Year: 2021

Predicting trend of high frequency CSI 300 index using adaptive input selection and machine learning techniques

Authors: A. Kong, H. Zhu
Journal: Journal of Systems Science and Information
Year: 2018

Biomarker signature discovery from mass spectrometry data

Authors: A. Kong, C. Gupta, M. Ferrari, M. Agostini, C. Bedin, A. Bouamrani, E. Tasciotti, …
Journal: IEEE/ACM Transactions on Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
Year: 2014

Does idiosyncratic volatility matter?—Evidence from Chinese stock market

Authors: S. Liu, A. Kong, R. Gu, W. Guo
Journal: Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications
Year: 2019

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdulghani Muthanna | Conflict Management and Resolution | Excellence in Research

Østfold University College, Norway

Profile

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🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Abdulghani Muthanna’s journey in academia began with a deep passion for education and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He first earned his Master’s degree in Foreign Language Education with a focus on English Language Teaching from the prestigious Middle East Technical University in Turkey. This formative experience, spanning from February 2009 to January 2011, laid the foundation for his profound understanding of language education, pedagogy, and curriculum design. Graduating with distinction, he displayed an early knack for scholarly pursuits and a dedication to advancing his academic capabilities.

Continuing his academic ascent, Dr. Muthanna pursued a Ph.D. in Comparative and International Education, specializing in Educational Leadership and Policy at Beijing Normal University in China. This rigorous program (September 2014 to June 2017) not only honed his expertise in comparative education but also instilled in him a global perspective on educational reform and leadership. His outstanding performance, recognized by earning his doctorate with distinction, set him apart as a rising star in his field.

🏫 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Muthanna’s professional journey is marked by a series of impactful academic appointments. He began his career as an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Ibb University in Yemen (September 2017 to May 2018). Here, he laid the groundwork for his subsequent achievements, teaching and inspiring a new generation of learners.

His aspirations took him to Norway, where he served as a Visiting Scholar (Postdoctoral Fellowship) at the Department of International Studies and Interpreting, Oslo Metropolitan University, from August 2018 to July 2019. During this time, he delved deeper into educational studies, enhancing his research profile and gaining valuable international exposure.

He was soon appointed as an Associate Professor of Comparative and International Education at OsloMet, a role he fulfilled from August 2019 to July 2020. His expertise in pedagogical theories and educational systems positioned him as a key contributor to the academic discourse in his department.

From August 2020 to July 2023, Dr. Muthanna joined the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) as an Associate Professor in the Department of Teacher Education. His work focused on developing innovative approaches to pedagogy and enriching teacher training programs.

In his current role as an Associate Professor at Østfold University College, which he began in September 2024, Dr. Muthanna continues to lead transformative projects at the Centre for Pedagogical Development and Learning, shaping the educational landscape in Norway.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Muthanna’s research interests encompass educational leadership, policy development, comparative education, and pedagogical innovation. His scholarly work bridges the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical applications in education. He has made significant contributions to the study of teacher training methodologies, international education systems, and policy analysis, offering valuable insights for improving educational outcomes.

His work in comparative education explores the intricacies of different educational frameworks, enabling policymakers and educators to adopt globally informed strategies. Through his research, Dr. Muthanna advocates for equity and inclusivity in education, emphasizing the importance of cultural and contextual understanding in pedagogical practices.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Muthanna’s academic excellence has been acknowledged through several distinctions, including earning his Ph.D. and M.A. degrees with honors. His international engagements have solidified his reputation as a respected scholar in comparative and international education.

His tenure at esteemed institutions in Yemen, China, and Norway highlights his ability to adapt and excel in diverse academic environments. These achievements underscore his dedication to advancing education on a global scale.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Throughout his career, Dr. Muthanna has impacted students, colleagues, and the broader academic community. His teaching methodologies and research have inspired educators to rethink traditional pedagogical approaches. By integrating global perspectives into local educational systems, he has fostered innovation and collaboration among diverse academic communities.

Dr. Muthanna’s work also extends beyond academia, influencing educational policies and practices at regional and international levels. His contributions to teacher education programs have equipped future educators with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of 21st-century classrooms.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Abdulghani Muthanna’s legacy lies in his commitment to bridging educational divides, fostering inclusivity, and nurturing the next generation of leaders in education. As he continues his role at Østfold University College, his vision for transformative pedagogy and sustainable education remains steadfast.

Looking ahead, Dr. Muthanna aims to expand his research on educational equity and leadership, contribute to policy reforms, and mentor aspiring educators and scholars. His enduring impact is a testament to his unwavering dedication to education as a tool for societal progress.

📝Notable Publications

Undergraduate Chinese students’ perspectives on Gaokao examination: Strengths, weaknesses, and implications

- Authors: A. Muthanna, G. Sang
- Journal: International Journal of Research Studies in Education
- Year: 2015

Organizational culture and its influence on the performance of higher education institutions: The case of a state university in Beijing

- Authors: M. Taye, G. Sang, A. Muthanna
- Journal: International Journal of Research
- Year: 2019

Chinese students’ attitudes towards the use of English-medium instruction into the curriculum courses: A case study of a national key university in Beijing

- Authors: A. Muthanna, P. Miao
- Journal: Journal of Education and Training Studies
- Year: 2015

Challenges of Arabic-English translation: The need for re-systematic curriculum and methodology reforms in Yemen

- Authors: Y. Al-Sohbani, A. Muthanna
- Journal: Academic Research International
- Year: 2013

A thematic review on research integrity and research supervision: Relationships, crises and critical messages

- Authors: A. Muthanna, A. Alduais
- Journal: Journal of Academic Ethics
- Year: 2021