Emma Lu
1. Describe your role and what it is that you do overall and on a day-to-day basis.
As a research fellow, I lead several interdisciplinary teams to study motivation and performance across a range of business environments, from dynamic startups to established corporations. My work bridges academic research with practical business solutions, drawing on insights from economics, management, and engineering. In addition to advising graduate thesis projects and developing curricula for graduate-level courses, I actively engage with the startup ecosystem by providing coaching and strategic advice to emerging companies across various industries.
2. What is the attraction of doing research?
The attraction of research lies in creating actionable insights that bridge academia and industry. My experience in executive recruitment and scaling advisory sparked my curiosity about team motivation and performance. Research allows me to explore these questions deeply, providing evidence-based solutions that help organizations scale and adapt. Combining my academic background from top institutions, like Harvard Business School, University of Oxford, Johns Hopkins University and UC Berkeley, with hands-on industry experience, I deliver practical strategies to enhance team dynamics and innovation.
3. Why did you choose to do your PhD at SSE?
I chose SSE because it offered a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world business acumen. The school's strong ties to industry leaders and focus on practical application of research aligned with my goal of producing impactful business insights. SSE's international network of researchers and notable scholars in entrepreneurship and management, combined with mentorship from both faculty and industry-experienced peers, created an ideal environment for my studies.
4. Following the time at SSE, do you have any words of wisdom or advice you would like to share with our current students?
My advice to current students is to approach your PhD as a holistic professional development opportunity. Build strategic relationships within and outside academia to foster future collaborations and opportunities. Embrace interdisciplinary thinking to tackle complex business challenges. And prioritize work-life balance to ensure personal growth alongside academic success.
5. What are three words that sum up your time at SSE?
Grit. Growth. Resilience.