For Shidler College of Business finance and risk management professor Hua Chen, Hawai‘i’s unique geographic position as a bridge between Asia and the continental United States provides an ideal stage for his work. It’s here he can connect rigorous research with global, practice-focused teaching.
Since joining the college in 2018, his impact has reached hundreds of students and extends across borders. Chen’s been recognized for his research contributions to the field and for his pedagogy with numerous accolades, including the Junior Scholar Award from the Asia-Pacific Risk and Insurance Association, Temple University’s Award for High Achievement in Sponsored Research, and, more recently, an Excellence in Reviewing Award from the Journal of Risk and Insurance and “Professor of the Semester” in Shidler’s Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program.
Hua enjoys hiking outside of teaching.
Chen, who is also the faculty director of the MSF program and the chair holder of the First Insurance Company Distinguished Professorship, says that being a part of the college has allowed him to make meaningful contributions to higher education and scholarly research, which he’s found to be profoundly rewarding. Wearing so many hats — he also sits on numerous editorial boards, participates in regular speaking engagements and is planning an international conference for July — might overwhelm many people. For Chen, the ever-changing nature of finance is what keeps him energized.
“What keeps me inspired as an educator and a researcher is the constant evolution of finance and the opportunity to continue learning while helping students make sense of it,” he said. “The field is never static —new risks arise, technologies reshape markets and global events challenge our understanding of uncertainty. This dynamism drives me to develop research projects and bring fresh insights into the classroom.”
Before joining Shidler, Chen served on the faculty of Temple University’s Fox School of Business, progressing from assistant professor to tenured associate professor of risk management and insurance. He also directed both the Ph.D. program in risk management and insurance and the M.S. program in actuarial science. His research and teaching style are delivered through an international lens. Having started his own academic journey in China before moving to the United States, combined with numerous international collaborations, he brings valuable diversity to colleagues and students.
His research focuses on financial stability and systemic risk, enterprise and corporate risk management, longevity and mortality risk and insurance economics. His work appears in widely cited publications in leading journals and drives the curriculum of his courses, shaping both the content and the approach of his instruction.
Connecting Scholarship to the Classroom
In the classroom, Chen works to cultivate the skills students need as they enter the finance industry — quantitative abilities, clear communication and the capacity to think critically with limited or overwhelming data. He aims to strengthen these competencies by emphasizing analytical reasoning, structured problem-solving and thoughtful interpretation of results.
“Ultimately, my goal is to help students build confidence in tackling challenging problems and to develop an appreciation for the intellectual discipline that finance demands,” he said. Chen’s style is grounded in clarity, rigor and relevance. He strives to make complex quantitative concepts approachable and encourages students to engage deeply with the material.
In one of his graduate-level finance classes, he assigns a group project in which students take on the role of financial managers tasked with developing a comprehensive financial strategy for a firm. The process includes evaluating business models and risks, quantifying capital needs and assessing financing alternatives. These tactics reinforce his belief that graduate education should combine theoretical rigor with hands-on decision making.
Beyond coursework, he regularly invites finance professionals to speak to undergraduate and graduate students. Chen also believes that international collaboration brings valuable diversity in thought and methodology, enhancing the learning experience for his students. He welcomes nationally and internationally recognized scholars to the department’s seminar series to share the latest research.
Most recently, Chen has taken on a new role as the co-editor-in-chief for Asia-Pacific Journal of Risk and Insurance. The journal aims to facilitate the exchange of research in risk and insurance mathematics, economics, finance and corporate practice, with a focus on important risk management and insurance issues in the Asia-Pacific region. He says that he hopes to enhance the college’s international visibility and reputation while elevating the journal’s academic standing and outreach during his term.
"Seeing students grow in confidence, curiosity and analytical skill reminds me why teaching is such a meaningful profession. Their progress reinforces my commitment to creating a learning environment that is rigorous, relevant and intellectually open, and it continually renews my enthusiasm for the work I do.”
