Wayne Yuan Gao

Wayne Yuan Gao is an Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Economics. He is set to leave in Fall 2025. Gao received his Ph.D. from Yale University in 2019. His research focuses on econometrics and microeconomic theory, particularly the economics of networks. He is affiliated with the Ronald O. Perelman Center for Political Science and Economics. His work includes studies on models with partially latent covariates, utilizing monotonicity restrictions for identification.

Wayne Yuan Gao is an economist specializing in Econometrics, Microeconomic Theory, Network Economics, and Machine Learning. His research focuses on identification and estimation in complex econometric models, including nonlinear dynamic panels, semiparametric methods, and panel multinomial choice models. He explores the implications of nonparametric and semiparametric approaches in settings with high-dimensional fixed effects and many instruments. His work also addresses network formation, informal risk sharing, and the application of machine learning techniques to economic problems. Gao's research emphasizes robust inference and structural analysis in environments with limited information and complex dependencies.