Teaching

I use a Minimal Variable Product (MVP) strategy in class
to boost curiosity, confidence, and the ability to ask meaningful questions,
so students can become the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at work.

ISM 6136: Business Analytics Applications

Florida International University (MBA)

Instructor of Record & Course Designer (Spring 2026) 

Designed for the modern decision-maker, this course is designed to convert raw business challenges into mature, deployable solutions. MBA students leverage Python and Generative & Agentic AI for fast-track data exploration, automate technical hurdles, and deepen insight generation. Each session features hands-on activities that contribute directly to a ready-to-go business solution, ensuring that technical methods remain deeply embedded in business contexts. The focus remains on how analytics informs managerial decision-making, navigates strategic trade-offs, and drives real organizational action.

ISM 4421: Artificial Intelligence for Business

Florida International University (Undergraduate)

Instructor of Record & Course Designer (Spring 2026) 

This class is designed for future business leaders to master AI, Generative AI, and Autonomous Agents in multi-dimensional business applications. The curriculum includes three stages: The Builder, where students engineer prompt frameworks and use vibe coding tools to build functional prototypes and Generative UIs; The Operator, which focuses on deploying deep research agents, AI solvers, and automation logic to optimize real-world workflows like supply chain, marketing and human resources; and The Executive, where the focus shifts to governance and strategic ROI. Ultimately, the project that synthesizes these will be a "Grand Assembly" as a fully integrated, functioning AI solution where students merge their weekly modular builds into a cohesive product backed by a professional implementation roadmap.

MIS 0855: Data Science 

Temple University (Undergraduate)

Instructor of Record (Fall 2024); Teaching Assistant (Fall 2023, Spring 2024) 
Instructor Evaluation: 4.87/5.00 

This GenEd undergraduate-level course covers Big Data Analytics, Visualisation, the Fundamentals of Hadoop and MapReduce, Machine Learning, and Generative AI. My class intensively uses Tableau, for which I am a Tableau Desktop Specialist, awarded by Tableau in 2020. 

OPIM 5604: Predictive Modeling

University of Connecticut (Graduate)

Teaching Assistant (Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021)

This course is a required course for the Master of Business Analytics and Project Management at UConn. The course covers Machine Learning models and techniques using the practical tool JMP Pro. I worked as a TA for three consecutive semesters with experience in face-to-face and online teaching and advising. 

OPIM 5603: Statistics in Business Analytics

University of Connecticut (Graduate)

Teaching Assistant (Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021)

This course is a required course for the Master of Business Analytics and Project Management at UConn. The course covers Statistics using the R programming language. My students range in age from the 20's to the 70's. I worked as a TA for three consecutive semesters with experience in face-to-face and online teaching and advising. 

Anonymous Student Feedback

• "This was a very interesting and well-put introduction to Data Science and I believe it's a necessary class for MIS majors and every other student. The class includes a lot of topics varying from big data to the AI used in a Tesla. This course should be more recommended in the major."

• "Really really good, I learned a lot from this course that will be useful in my professional career and enjoyed coming to class everyday."

• "Professor Zhao creates an inclusive and supportive environment where all students, regardless of background, feel valued and respected. Her dedication to inclusion makes for a richer and more connected classroom experience."

• "The professor gives out in class activities and is always there whenever we needed help on certain topics. She also gave out days where you could come in and ask questions regarding the work."

• "This course offers an engaging and enriching learning experience, marked by thoughtful and inclusive instruction. The curriculum is well-structured, blending diverse perspectives with practical applications, which makes complex concepts accessible and relevant. Overall, it encourages meaningful discussion, critical thinking, and a supportive atmosphere that helps students thrive. I would recommend all of my friends to take data science with Professor Zhao."

• "The In-Class Activities provided a great tool to better learn, understand, and execute the knowledge I obtained from this course. The hands-on activities and constant support overall benefitted my learning experience."