The J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities (JPMCC) at the University of Colorado Denver Business School has selected Dr. Jian Yang, professor of finance and risk management, as the new incoming Research Chair.

As the JPMCC Research Chair, Yang sets the direction of conferences, creates academic coursework, provides leadership and other activities that will shape the JPMCC as the leading research and education center in the world.

Yang was chosen because of his background in commodities research and connections with the industry. He earned a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and previously held visiting positions at People’s Bank of China, Federal Reserve Bank at St. Louis, and at several leading universities in China.

His research on commodities has been cited by the World Bank, World Trade Organizations, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. His work has earned him dozens of research awards in the US and abroad.

With this appointment, CU Denver hopes to strengthen their global ties, particularly in Asia and hold yearly academic conferences, host guest speakers and create new and relevant coursework.

Dean Rohan Christie-David agrees that Dr. Yang will support the Business School’s tradition of research. “Jian has strong ties to commodities and a broad understanding of the newest trends in research,” Christie-David shared. “He is well prepared not only to drive the direction of the Research Council and the research program, but also heighten awareness of the Center’s activities.”

The J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities (JPMCC) at the University of Colorado Denver Business School focuses on a broad range of commodities, including agriculture, energy, and mining. Established in 2012, this innovative center provides educational programs and research in commodities markets, regulation, trading, financial fundamentals, investing, risk management, and ethics.