Dr. Shishi Cecilia Wu is an Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems in the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Information Systems with a specialization in the Data Science Track from the University of Massachusetts Boston, her M.S. in Business Administration from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and her B.A. in Advertising from Xiamen University Tan Kah Kee College. 

Her research centers on (1) the affordances of short video platforms and their impact on user engagement and flow experience; (2) business analytics leveraging online unstructured data (e.g., text, images, videos, and behavioral patterns), with a particular focus on the impact of social media policies on user engagement and their role in shaping social media governance; and (3) the role of artificial intelligence in modern recruitment and organizational decision-making. She applies machine learning, mixed methods analysis, econometric modeling, and network analysis to address questions in these areas. She has presented her research at leading information systems conferences such as CSWIM and MWAIS and has served as a reviewer for journals and top conferences, including Technovation, Journal of Knowledge Management, ICIS, and PACIS. 

Her teaching experience spans Information Systems, Marketing, and Operations Management, covering business programming, data analytics, machine learning, and operations management at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. She independently designed and taught the Advanced Coding for Analytics course at the University of Massachusetts Boston, developing the curriculum, instructional materials, and hands-on exercises. She also taught Business Analytics using Spreadsheet Technology, guiding students to apply spreadsheet-based tools for solving analytical and managerial problems. In addition, she served as a teaching assistant for various courses, including Advanced Data Mining and Prediction Model, Optimization for Data Science, Operations Management, Business Programming, Introduction to Computers and Information Systems, and Web Fluency. 

Her professional background reflects a consistent commitment to supporting organizations and communities. During her undergraduate years, she gained early experience through a three-year business development internship at a public relations firm, where she developed skills in client engagement and strategic communication. After graduation, she entered the insurance industry as a human resources specialist, focusing on recruitment and employee management. She was later promoted to a managerial position, where she coordinated large-scale recruitment initiatives and established a regional talent database to strengthen long-term workforce planning.

Building on this foundation, she transitioned into the technology sector as a business analyst and project manager. In these roles, she focused on understanding client and market needs and translating them into actionable requirements for technical teams. By bridging business and technology, she contributed to effective project execution while supporting data-driven decision-making, strategic operations, and corporate planning. Alongside these professional roles, she also collaborated with leading technology firms, including Chengdu Mengxiang Technology Co., Ltd., where she participated in research projects examining AI-driven recruitment technologies and their implications for employment efficiency and fairness.

Her community engagement reflects a sustained commitment to supporting others and fostering collective well-being. For eight years, she contributed to the Zhuhai Red Cross Charity Organization, where she supported elderly residents living alone and coordinated volunteers to provide regular care. During major festivals, she helped organize cultural activities in local nursing homes, creating opportunities for companionship and connection. She also offered her time at the Zhuhai Public Library, assisting with administrative tasks and helping to maintain an inclusive and welcoming public environment.

Building on these experiences, she extended her commitment to the student community during her undergraduate years. She guided well-being initiatives as President of the Peer Support Center, efforts that were recognized with a University Outstanding Student Leadership Award. She was also elected by her peers as the Student Representative of her program, where she worked to coordinate activities, strengthen communication between students and faculty, and foster a supportive student community. 

You can find her CV here.