Inside a PhD Powerhouse

Smith’s PhD program is more than a training ground for future scholars— it’s a launching pad for impactful academic careers. With a tight-knit community and a strong culture of mentorship and collaboration, Smith doctoral students are well-prepared to thrive. They have a long track record of landing faculty positions at top institutions. 

“The PhD program’s success stems from a core belief: Doctoral education isn’t just about producing PhDs, but about nurturing scholars who will lead and shape the future of business research and education,” says Rebecca Hann, associate dean of research and doctoral programs. 

“I could not have asked for a better PhD experience,” says Audra Wormald, PhD ’22, who attributes this to her relationships with her dissertation chairs Rajshree Agarwal and Serguey Braguinsky. “For all the time and effort I put into my research, I could expect the same level of involvement from them.” 

Wormald’s professors engaged her in their research from day one, seeding what bloomed into two co-authored publications and her award-winning dissertation. She is now an assistant professor at UNC-Chapel Hill. 

The impressive faculty drew Jane Yi Jiang, PhD ’24 to Smith. She found a supportive advisor in professor Wedad Elmaghraby. 

“She encouraged me to explore ideas and helped me frame my thinking to become a researcher in this field,” Jiang says. “I really appreciated how open-minded and patient she was.” 

With Elmaghraby’s support, and access to her network, Jiang connected with researchers beyond Smith. She’s now an assistant professor at Ohio State. 

Smith’s PhD program strength goes beyond advising. Students develop strong bonds, creating a community that adds to the vibrant learning environment. 

That connection lasts long after graduation. In 2023, Long Jiang, PhD ’06, CEO of Goertek Inc., made a $5 million gift—the largest ever to the program—establishing a doctoral fellowship to support students. The first recipients, Yang and Beril Yalcinkaya, PhD ’25, are continuing the tradition of excellence and community support that defines Smith’s PhD program.