HDSI Appoints Postdoctoral Fellow Specializing in Urban Economics

HDSI continues to fulfill its commitment to serve as the data science hub to UC San Diego by appointing Cong Peng in its first cohort of Postdoctoral Fellows. Peng is currently completing his Ph.D. at London School of Economics in economic geography, and is set to start his two-year appointment at UC San Diego in October.

Peng’s research focuses on urban economics, with study on the relationships between transportation and traffic congestion on air pollution and e-commerce. His HDSI Mentor will be Professor Gordon Hanson of the School of Global Policy & Strategy and a member of the HDSI Faculty Council. As an HDSI Postdoctoral Fellow, Peng and the other Fellows will have the freedom of research collaboration with faculty and students at the university, and to participate in HDSI activities such as seminars, industry partnerships and cross-disciplinary projects.

Peng brings a diverse international educational background to the Institute gained from holding research positions in economics and law in the U.S., United Kingdom and China. He served as a Fox International Fellow at Yale University, and earned his master’s degree in economics from Fudan University, China. After earning his bachelor’s degree in economics from China’s Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, he was a visiting student at Kanazawa University in Japan. He speaks four languages.

His research interests include digital economies and rapid transit systems. His work has explored the economic impact of online retailing, and the relationship between e-commerce, traffic congestion and air quality. His research has addressed questions such as: Can e-commerce reduce traffic congestion? What is the impact of subways on employment and pollution? What is the socioeconomic impact of road development in Zambia? His data-science technology expertise and teaching experience includes GIS geographical information systems, quantitative analysis and spatial economic analysis.